for in days when books were few and readers scarce, a long memory and a ready tongue were of the more value;
In earlier times when literature was limited and there weren't many readers, having a strong memory and the ability to speak well were highly prized skills. People relied more on their verbal storytelling abilities to share knowledge and culture, making oral tradition crucial for preserving history and experiences.
This quote from Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sir Nigel" highlights the importance of communication and memory in a society where written texts were not as accessible. It emphasizes how individuals who could remember stories and present them engagingly were valued, underlining the significance of oral history in shaping collective understanding.
