"A best-seller was a book which somehow sold well because it was selling well"
- Daniel J. Boorstin
About this Quote
This quote by Daniel J. Boorstin is a commentary on the phenomenon of best-sellers. It suggests that the success of a book is often identified by its own success. In other words, a book can become a best-seller merely since it is currently selling well. This is a reflection of the power of word-of-mouth and the influence of popular opinion. It implies that the success of a book is frequently identified by its own popularity, instead of its quality or material. This quote also recommends that the success of a book is frequently determined by its own momentum, as it can become a best-seller simply due to the fact that it is already selling well. This is a commentary on the power of the general public and the impact of popular opinion. It implies that the success of a book is frequently identified by its own success, rather than its quality or material.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"