A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.
This quote emphasizes the importance of re-reading and re-experiencing a great book at different stages of life, much like viewing a beautiful building at different times of day. It suggests that the value and meaning of a book can be appreciated and understood in different ways as one's perspective and experiences change.
The quote highlights the idea that a truly great book is one that can be re-read and re-appreciated multiple times, with new insights and understandings emerging each time. It also implies that the value of a book lies not just in its initial impact, but in its ability to be revisited and reinterpreted over time.
Robertson Davies was a Canadian novelist, playwright, and essayist who was known for his wit, humor, and insight into the human condition. He was a prominent figure in Canadian literary circles, and his work often explored themes of identity, culture, and the human experience.
Robertson Davies was born in 1913 in Thamesville, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family of modest means and was encouraged by his parents to pursue his love of literature and writing. He went on to study at the University of Toronto and later at the University of Oxford, where he earned his Ph.D. in English literature.
This quote can be applied to many areas of life, including education, personal growth, and relationships. It suggests that we should approach great works of literature, as well as other experiences, with a sense of curiosity and openness, knowing that our understanding and appreciation of them will evolve over time.