"Peu importe combien de livres vous avez mais à quel point les livres que vous avez sont bons."

The heart of this quote is about the quality of knowledge and resources over sheer quantity. Imagine having a library filled to the brim with thousands of books. If those books are poorly written, irrelevant, or just plain boring, what good do they do you? On the other hand, if you only owned a dozen truly exceptional books that you could read and reread, gaining new insights each time, you'd be far better off. It's not the volume that counts, but the value.

Historically, this idea resonates deeply. It’s been echoed in various forms by countless thinkers over the centuries. Take, for instance, the philosopher Seneca who lived in ancient Rome. He believed that endless acquisition of material things or even knowledge wasn’t as beneficial as having a few truly useful items or pieces of wisdom. In his time, books were rare and precious, so the emphasis was naturally on quality over quantity. The wisdom here transcends time—it's about depth, not breadth.

Let's anchor this idea in a real-life example. Think about your phone’s app store. You might download dozens of apps, but how many do you actually use regularly? Probably just a handful. Those are the apps that add real value to your life, whether they're for productivity, fitness, or social connection. It’s the same with books or any other resource—you don’t need a lot, just a few good ones that make a difference.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by evaluating what you currently have. Look at your bookshelf, your digital library, even the online courses you’ve signed up for. Identify the gems—those that really resonate with you and that you’ve learned the most from. Focus on these. It’s better to read and understand a few excellent books deeply than to skim through many without really absorbing anything. This goes for other areas of life too. For instance, it's more beneficial to have a few close friends who truly understand and support you, rather than a vast network of acquaintances.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture this: Sarah, a college student, is overwhelmed by the amount of reading she has to do each semester. She’s got stacks of textbooks and reading materials assigned by her professors. At first, she tries to tackle everything, but soon she's exhausted and the information isn't sticking. Then, she changes her strategy. She starts by identifying key texts that her professors emphasize and that seem to be referenced often. She dedicates her time to thoroughly understanding these. By the end of the semester, not only does she feel more knowledgeable, but she also performs better in her exams because she focused on understanding rather than just ticking off a list.

When you think about it, this approach applies broadly. Imagine you’re learning to cook. It’s tempting to collect all the cookbooks you can find. But if you really dive into one or two solid ones that cover essential techniques and classic recipes, you'll become a much better cook than if you dabbled in dozens of others.

So next time you’re tempted by the allure of more—more books, more courses, more anything—pause and consider whether you’re prioritizing quality. Sometimes, less really is more. It’s about making the most of what you have and ensuring it’s truly enriching your life.