"The good of a book lies in its being read. A book is made up of signs that speak of other signs, which in their turn speak of things. Without an eye to read them, a book contains signs that produce no concepts; therefore it is dumb"

This quote by Umberto Eco speaks with the value of reading. He suggests that the value of a book lies in its ability to be checked out and comprehended. He even more discusses that books are made up of indications that represent other indications, which in turn represent things. Without someone to check out and interpret these signs, the book is essentially mute and unable to communicate its message. Eco's quote highlights the significance of reading and understanding books in order to acquire understanding and insight. It likewise works as a pointer that books are not just physical objects, but rather vessels of understanding and understanding that can only be unlocked through reading.