“The book is a fragile creature, it suffers the wear of time, fears rodents, the elements and clumsy hands.”
What this quote means
Eco reminds us of the materiality and fragility of books, physical objects subject to time, elements, and human clumsiness. This quote evokes the need to preserve them, but also their precious nature. It resonates with bibliophiles and archivists, highlighting that the transmission of knowledge relies on vulnerable supports. It invites an ethic of care and respect toward books.
How to apply it daily
Take care of your books: repair a torn page, store them away from moisture, or give a second life to a forgotten book.
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