Perhaps he was a fool, but he thought that if a work were truly great you would only have to read it once and you would be stolen from yourself, desperately moved, changed forever.
The quote reflects a belief that a truly remarkable piece of literature has the power to profoundly impact a reader's life. The individual in the quote suggests that a great work of art can transform one's perspective and emotions so intensely that a single reading is sufficient to evoke a deep, lasting change. This idea implies that genuine greatness in literature transcends mere entertainment; it resonates with the soul and alters one's understanding of existence.
By stating, "Perhaps he was a fool," the author hints at a certain naivety in this belief. Yet, there is an acknowledgment of the significant emotional and psychological effects that literature can have. The desire to be "stolen from yourself" points to the transformative experience of engaging deeply with a story, suggesting that literature has the unique ability to transport readers and make them confront their own identities and beliefs in a profound way.
