“Should you dare to ride this dreadful beast, you would awaken later as if from a deep sleep, with some of these printed scraps clutched in your hands. Fragments would hint at ideal books, impossible books, books that you have always longed to read.”
"Should you dare to ride this dreadful beast, you would awaken later as if from a deep sleep, with some of these printed scraps clutched in your hands. Fragments would hint at ideal books, impossible books, books that you have always longed to read." - Thomas Wharton
In this quote by Thomas Wharton, the concept of the transformative power of literature is highlighted. Wharton describes the act of reading as a daring adventure, akin to riding a dreadful beast. He suggests that immersing oneself in books can lead to a profound experience of awakening and discovery. Wharton emphasizes the mystical and alluring nature of books, describing them as ideal and impossible, yet deeply desired. This quote captures the enchanting and transformative potential of literature in shaping one's imagination and understanding of the world.
Thomas Wharton's quote about riding the "dreadful beast" and awakening with hints of ideal and impossible books clutched in your hands symbolizes the transformative power of literature. In a world where books can transport us to new realms and expand our imaginations, this quote serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that can be found within the pages of a book. By daring to embrace the unknown and explore the depths of our literary desires, we open ourselves up to a world of creativity and inspiration.
As you consider this quote by Thomas Wharton, think about the books that have left a lasting impact on you. Reflect on the concept of ideal books and impossible books. Consider the power of literature to transport us to different worlds and evoke deep emotions. How do books shape our imaginations and influence our desires for the unknown? What books do you long to read that exist only in the realm of imagination?
“The true felicity of a lover of books is the luxurious turning of page by page, the surrender, not meanly abject, but deliberate and cautious, with your wits about you, as you deliver yourself into the keeping of the book. This I call reading.”
“An hour spent reading is one stolen from paradise.”
“I had written short stories that were thought worthy of preservation! Was it the same insignificant I that I had always known? Any one walking along the streets might go into any bookshop, and say: 'Please give me Edith Wharton's book'; and the clerk, without bursting into incredulous laughter, would produce it, and be paid for it, and the purchaser would walk home with it and read it, and talk of it, and pass it on to other people to read!”
“The thought of these vast stacks of books would drive him mad: the more he read, the less he seemed to know — the greater the number of the books he read, the greater the immense uncountable number of those which he could never read would seem to be…. The thought that other books were waiting for him tore at his heart forever.”
“Don't you ever mind," she asked suddenly, "not being rich enough to buy all the books you want?”
“Telling the truth is a pretty hard thing. And in a young man's first attempt, with the distortions of his vanity, egotism, hot passion, and lacerated pride, it is almost impossible. "Home to Our Mountains" was marred by all these faults and imperfections...[Webber] did know that it was not altogether a true book. Still, there was truth in it. ...[from Randy] There were places where [your book] rubbed salt in. In saying this, I'm not like those others you complain about: you know damn well I understand what you did and why you had to do it. But just the same, there were some things that you did not have to do -- and you'd have had a better book if you hadn't done them.”