"I only keep books that I like very much. Otherwise I'd throw them out"

Norman MacCaig's quote recommends that he is a selective reader, just choosing to keep books that he really enjoys. This implies that he is a discerning reader, taking the time to examine the quality of the books he checks out. He is likewise suggesting that he is not afraid to discard books that he does not discover intriguing or worthwhile. This might be translated as an indication of confidence in his own judgement, as well as an acknowledgment of the importance of just keeping books that he genuinely values. It might also be seen as an indication of respect for the books he does keep, as he is making the effort to choose only the very best. Eventually, MacCaig's quote recommends that he is a reader who is not afraid to be selective and who values quality over quantity.