“What are we after when we open one of those books? What is it that makes a classic a classic? ... in old-fashioned terms, the answer is that it wll elevate your spirit. And that's why I can't take much stock in the idea of going through a list of books or 'covering' a fixed number of selections, or anyway striving for the blessed state of having read this, or the other. Having read a book means nothing. Reading a book may be the most tremendous experience of your life; having read it is an item in your memory, part of your receding past... Why we have that odd faith in the magic of having read a book, I don't know. We don't apply the same principle elsewhere: We don't believe in having heard Mendelssohn's violin concerto... I say, don't read the classics -- try to discover your own classics; every life has its own.”
Quote by Rudolf Flesch
Work
This book delves into the art of comprehension, providing readers with techniques to navigate and interpret intricate subjects with clarity and ease. more
Author
Rudolf Flesch, born on May 8, 1911, was an influential American linguist and educator. His research focused on reading instruction and language acquisition, and he proposed many significant theories and methods. Flesch is best known for his work with students who struggle with reading, and his book 'Why Johnny Can't Read' had a profound impact on reading instruction. more
You May Also Like
“A clever schoolboy's reaction to his reading is most naturally expressed by parody or imitation.”
“I did not want to spend my time reading about people who never were, doing things they never did.”
“I find myself anticipating a new kind of storyteller, one who is half hacker, half bard.”
“It is with the common book that most readers will spend their head-tilted hours.”
“We’ve read our own myths into the world.”