I am aware of many things being quite as important as good writing and good reading; but in all things it is wiser to go directly to the quiddity, to the text, to the source, to the essence-and only then evolve whatever theories may tempt the philosopher, or the historian, or merely please the spirit of the day. Readers are born free and ought to remain free.
Vladimir Nabokov emphasizes the paramount importance of engaging directly with texts in his work "Lectures on Russian Literature." He argues that while there are many important aspects to consider in literature, the primary focus should be on understanding the core essence of the text itself. Rather than getting lost in theories or contemporary interpretations, readers should prioritize a direct connection to the source material to fully appreciate its depth and meaning.
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