One must be an inventor to read well. There is then creative reading as well as creative writing

One must be an inventor to read well. There is then creative reading as well as creative writing

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American essayist, lecturer, and poet, once famously said, "One must be an inventor to read well. There is then creative reading as well as creative writing." This statement by Emerson highlights the idea that reading is not merely a passive activity but rather an active and creative process that requires the reader to engage with the text in a meaningful way.

Emerson believed that in order to truly understand and appreciate a piece of literature, one must approach it with a sense of curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Reading, in Emerson's view, is not simply about decoding words on a page but about actively interpreting and engaging with the text in a way that allows for new insights and perspectives to emerge.

Emerson's assertion that one must be an inventor to read well suggests that reading is a form of intellectual exploration and discovery. Just as an inventor must think outside the box and come up with new ideas and solutions, a reader must approach a text with an open mind and a willingness to think critically and creatively. By doing so, the reader can uncover hidden meanings, make connections between different ideas, and ultimately gain a deeper understanding of the text.

Emerson also believed that creative reading is just as important as creative writing. While writing allows individuals to express their own thoughts and ideas, reading enables them to engage with the thoughts and ideas of others. Through creative reading, individuals can not only gain new knowledge and insights but also develop their own critical thinking skills and expand their imagination.