It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make a man wise or good; but well reading of a few

It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make a man wise or good; but well reading of a few

Richard Baxter, a prominent English Puritan church leader and theologian, is often quoted as saying, “It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make a man wise or good; but well reading of a few.” This statement encapsulates Baxter’s belief in the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to reading and acquiring knowledge.

Baxter himself was a prolific writer, with over 140 works to his name, including the famous devotional classic “The Saints’ Everlasting Rest.” Despite his vast literary output, Baxter understood that simply reading a large number of books does not guarantee wisdom or goodness. Instead, he emphasized the need for careful and thoughtful reading of a select few books that are rich in content and depth.