I've developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except, of course, that some very tedious gentlemen have written books.
The quote reflects the author's experience with reading and the accumulation of knowledge through books. It highlights a paradox where one may gain a reputation for wisdom simply by owning many books and reading extensively, yet often not deriving practical or useful insights from them. Instead, the emphasis seems to be on the presence of tedious writing rather than enriching content.
This sentiment suggests a commentary on the nature of literary consumption, pointing out that merely engaging with a multitude of texts does not guarantee valuable understanding. The author implies that wisdom is more complex than the mere act of reading; it involves discernment and critical thinking about the material consumed.
