“I never read a book I must review; it prejudices you so.”
Oscar Wilde on the challenges of reviewing books
“I never read a book I must review; it prejudices you so.” - Oscar Wilde
Quote Analysis
The quote by Oscar Wilde, "I never read a book I must review; it prejudices you so," highlights the idea that being required to read a book for a review can lead to preconceived notions or biases. Wilde suggests that having the obligation of reviewing a book can make it challenging to approach the work with an open mind and draw genuine conclusions. This reflects the importance of approaching literature with fresh perspectives and without any external influence.
The Importance of Unbiased Reviews
Oscar Wilde's quote highlights the challenge of maintaining objectivity when reviewing a book. In today's digital age, where reviews hold significant influence over consumers' decisions, it is crucial for individuals to approach reviews with an open mind. Being able to provide unbiased reviews not only benefits readers seeking honest feedback but also establishes credibility for the reviewer. In a world where opinions are easily shared and amplified, maintaining fairness and integrity in reviews is more important than ever.
Reflecting on the Quote by Oscar Wilde
When considering the quote by Oscar Wilde, "I never read a book I must review; it prejudices you so," it raises important questions about the impact of obligation on our perceptions and judgments. Reflect on the following questions:
- How does feeling obligated to read or review a book affect your enjoyment and understanding of it?
- Do you think that having a certain mindset before reading a book can influence your thoughts and opinions about it?
- In what ways can a sense of obligation cloud your judgment and lead to biases in your review?
- Is it possible to approach a book with an open mind, even when you feel obligated to read it? How can you mitigate the effects of prejudice in this situation?
- How might Wilde's perspective on avoiding prejudice in reviews apply to other areas of life where we feel obligated to form opinions or judgments?
Similar quotes
“I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices a man so.”
“I love to read, but I'm not a reviewer. I'll leave the reviewing to someone else. Suffice it to say, if I'm reading your book, I'm loving it.”
“I might also say, regarding reviews and reviewers, that I have yet to read a review of any of my own books which I could not have written much better myself.”
“What do you read?I read what friends tell me is good. This explains the book's success, partially. It got very good reviews. Good reviews will get you a readership right away, but that's it. The review or the article appears one day in a magazine or a newspaper, then it's gone. Word of mouth is a continuing phenomenon, much more powerful.”
“What should we read next?” Bernadette asked. “Pride and Prejudice is my favorite.So let’s do that,” Sylvia said.Are you sure, dear?” Jocelyn asked,I am. It’s time. Anyway, Persuasion has the dead mother. I don’t want to subject Prudie to that now. The mother in Pride and Prejudice on the other hand…”Don’t give anything away,” Grigg said. “I haven’t read it yet.”Grigg had never read Pride and Prejudice.Grigg had never read Pride and Prejudice.Grigg had read The Mysteries of Udolpho and God knows how much science fiction – there were books all over the cottage – but he’d never found the time or inclination to read Pride and Prejudice. We really didn’t know what to say.”