“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
The Power and Paradox of an Unread Library
Book lovers often face the dilemma of owning more books than they can read. John Waters – Official Biography and Works This collection of unread books can symbolize both potential and futility. The debate around this paradox grew when two similar quotes about unread libraries emerged, each with a distinct message.
One version suggests that an unread library is impotent, lacking purpose and power. Conversely, the other highlights the value of an unread collection, emphasizing its potential importance. These statements have been attributed to filmmaker John Waters, leading to confusion about his true perspective.
John Waters’ True Sentiment
In his 2010 book “Role Models,” Waters discussed his views on literary wealth. Source He connected richness not to monetary assets but to the freedom to buy any book without financial constraints. However, he insisted that mere acquisition isn’t enough; the books must be read. He articulated that an unread library is utterly impotent, lacking effectiveness and purpose .
This genuine quote also appeared in a “Vanity Fair” profile in June 2010. The article portrayed Waters as a meticulous bibliophile, with a library of around 8,000 volumes. His dedication to reading reinforced his belief in the impotence of books left untouched.
Misattribution and Its Spread
The confusion began in 2012 when artist Austin Kleon published “Steal Like an Artist.” In this book, he misquoted Waters, claiming an unread library is supremely important. This switch from “impotent” to “important” transformed the original meaning.
This incorrect attribution spread through various media outlets. In December 2016, a columnist in the “Inland Valley Daily Bulletin” cited this erroneous version. The quote, claiming books should be collected without immediate reading intentions, gained popularity.
International and Local Repercussions
By September 2019, the “Financial Times” echoed this misattribution, praising Waters’ supposed wisdom. The columnist found comfort in this misquote, justifying their book-buying habits.
Despite these inaccuracies, some sources correctly cited Waters during this period. “Library Technology Reports” in October 2020 accurately referenced the “impotent” version from “Role Models.”
Acknowledgment and Correction
In August 2022, Austin Kleon acknowledged his error via social media. He admitted the mistake in his book, noting humorously that Waters used “impotent” instead of “important.” Kleon decided to remove Waters’ attribution and claimed the revised quote as his own for future editions.
In the 2022 Kindle edition, the quote remains without Waters’ attribution. The 2022 audiobook edition rephrases the idea, stating that unread books hold equal importance to those read, avoiding a direct quote.
Conclusion
This case illustrates how misattributions can occur and spread, even with verifiable sources. Waters deserves acknowledgment for his original statement on unread libraries’ impotence. Meanwhile, Kleon’s honest admission gives rise to a new perspective on unread collections, contributing to ongoing discussions about book collecting and reading culture.
Ultimately, whether viewed as impotent or important, an unread library prompts reflection on the value and potential of books awaiting discovery.