"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested"
- Francis Bacon
About this Quote
This quote by Francis Bacon is a metaphor for how we should approach different kinds of books. He suggests that some books ought to be read rapidly and superficially, like tasting a food. Other books ought to read more deeply, like swallowing a food. And some books should be read slowly and thoughtfully, like chewing and absorbing a food. This metaphor indicates that various books require various levels of engagement and understanding. It also recommends that some books are more complicated and need more effort to comprehend. Bacon's quote motivates readers to approach books with an open mind and to be going to invest the time and effort to acquire a deeper understanding of the material. Eventually, Bacon's quote motivates readers to be mindful of the kind of book they read and to change their approach accordingly.