“To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight.”
Explanation
Montesquieu captures the transformative power of reading as an antidote to boredom and a gateway to joy. Ennui—deep, restless boredom—plagues those who find little stimulation in their surroundings or routine. But for those who love to read, books offer a rich world of ideas, emotions, and adventures, turning idle time into moments of intellectual and emotional engagement.
This quote reflects Montesquieu’s Enlightenment belief in the value of education, imagination, and the written word. Reading, to him, is not merely a pastime—it is a deeply human pursuit that elevates the mind, refines the character, and connects us across time and culture. It turns solitude into companionship, and monotony into inspiration, making the love of reading a quiet but enduring form of liberation.
In today’s fast-paced and distracted world, where boredom often leads to passive consumption of media, Montesquieu’s words still resonate. Reading remains one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to enrich the soul, offering delight not through escape alone, but through meaningful engagement. His insight reminds us that in the pages of a book, the dullest hour can become the most luminous.
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