Alan Jacobs Quotes

Great books are great in part because of what they ask of their readers: they are not readily encountered, easily assessed.

Readers who wish to follow Whim rather than whim-readers who have learned enough about what he or she really thrives on to seek more of it-the first lesson must be in humility. . . . Don't waste time and mental energy in comparing yourself to others whether to your shame or gratification, since we are all wayfarers.

Slow down. Make a point of revisiting passages that seem especially rich, or especially confusing, or for that matter especially offensive.