"A good book, in the language of the book-sellers, is a salable one; in that of the curious, a scarce one; in that of men of sense, a useful and instructive one"

The quote by Oswald Chambers provides a diverse view of what defines a "great book", revealing the differing values of different groups. Chambers sectors his interpretation based upon the perspective of 3 unique entities: book-sellers, the curious, and men of sense. Each group views the quality of a book through the lens of its own interests and concerns.

For book-sellers, a "excellent book" is defined by its marketability-- its ability to sell. This viewpoint is rooted in commerce. To them, the intrinsic qualities of a book may be secondary to its capability to reach a broad audience and produce revenue. They value aspects such as appeal, trendiness, and the capacity for wide appeal, concentrating on what the market needs.

The curious, on the other hand, view a "great book" as a scarce one. This suggests a sense of rarity or uniqueness that makes a book important to them. To the curious reader, a book's worth is connected to how difficult it is to come by, possibly suggesting that the book includes concepts or narratives that are less explored or run out the regular, making the pursuit of such books a fulfilling obstacle.

For men of sense, presumably describing people who prioritize functionality and knowledge, a "good book" is one that works and instructive. This perspective values the material of the book and its capability to impart knowledge, wisdom, or practical info that can be applied to life. To them, a book's goodness is measured by its contribution to individual growth, understanding, and the improvement of one's intelligence or moral compass.

Chambers, for that reason, highlights the subjective nature of worth and quality, recommending that what makes a book "great" can differ significantly depending on individual perspectives and priorities. Through this quote, he subtly invites readers to consider their own requirements for valuing literature.