Friday, August 21, 2020
How Strange That Is!
John Ruskin, Sesame and Lilies, rev. ed. (London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1871), p. 15:
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Very ready we are to say of a book, "How good this is—that's exactly what I think!" But the right feeling is, "How strange that is! I never thought of that before, and yet I see it is true; or if I do not now, I hope I shall, some day." But whether thus submissively or not, at least be sure that you go to the author to get at his meaning, not to find yours. Judge it afterwards, if you think yourself qualified to do so; but ascertain it first. And be sure also, if the author is worth anyhing, that you will not get at his meaning all at once;—nay, that at his whole meaning you will not for a long time arrive in any wise.
