The oldest books are still only just out to those who have not read them.

Samuel Butler quote explanation

This quote emphasizes the timeless and ever-renewing nature of classic or ancient literature. Let’s break down the quote:

1. “The oldest books”: This phrase refers to literature that has been in existence for a long time, often considered classics or ancient texts.
2. “are still only just out”: This part of the quote suggests that, despite their age, these books are always fresh and new to those who have not yet read them. It implies that the richness and relevance of these books can be fully experienced only when they are encountered for the first time by a reader.
3. “to those who have not read them”: This specifies the audience for whom these oldest books are still new and exciting—the individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to read and explore these literary works.

In essence, the quote conveys the idea that the value and impact of classic books endure across time. To someone who has not yet read them, these books remain as if they were just released, carrying the potential to offer new insights, perspectives, and experiences. It encourages a sense of perpetual discovery and an acknowledgment that the power of classic literature is continuously renewed through each new reader’s encounter with it.