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"کتاب موجودی شکننده است، از گذر زمان آسیب می‌بیند، از جوندگان، عناصر و دست‌های ناشی می‌ترسد"

Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco Novelist
Translations
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Quote meaning
Books, those precious vessels of knowledge and stories, are incredibly delicate. They can easily fall victim to the ravages of time, the gnawing of rodents, the harshness of weather, and the rough treatment by careless fingers. But let's break this down a bit.

Books are more than just paper and ink; they are the physical form of a writer's thoughts, dreams, and experiences. Yet, despite their importance, they're incredibly vulnerable. Think about the ancient manuscripts that historians and librarians work so hard to preserve. They are kept in climate-controlled environments and handled with gloves because a small slip could mean the loss of irreplaceable wisdom.

To put this into historical context, imagine the Great Library of Alexandria. This was a treasure trove of knowledge in the ancient world, housing thousands of scrolls. Unfortunately, much of it was lost to fires and the wear of time. The fragility of books and the information they contain is a lesson we've learned through history. It's why libraries have disaster plans and why rare books are treated with such care.

Now, let’s get more concrete. Picture a well-loved book, maybe your childhood favorite. You’ve read it so many times that the cover is frayed, the pages are dog-eared, and there might even be some food stains from those rainy day reading marathons. It’s a tangible example of how books suffer under clumsy hands and the elements. Even though it’s worn, its value comes from the love and memories associated with it.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by treating books with respect. When you borrow a book, handle it gently. Don’t crack the spine or dog-ear the pages. If you own books, store them properly. Keep them away from damp places where mold can grow. If you have pets, make sure they can’t chew on them. And if you ever come across an old or rare book, remember it’s survived a lot to get to you.

Think about a scenario: You’re at a yard sale and find an old, leather-bound book. It’s dusty, and the cover is a bit worn, but as you flip through the pages, you realize it’s a first edition of a classic novel. By recognizing its fragility and treating it with care, you can preserve a piece of history. Maybe you’ll even take it to a professional to have it restored. It’s a small act, but it honors the book’s journey and the knowledge it holds.

In essence, treating books with care is a mark of respect for the knowledge, history, and personal stories they contain. Remember, each book is a fragile creature that has traveled through time and space to get to you. Whether it’s a rare manuscript or a paperback novel, handle it with the care it deserves. After all, in a world where information can be so fleeting, books remain a tangible, albeit delicate, connection to our past and a bridge to our future.
Related tags
Books Care Clumsiness Decay Elements Fragility Preservation Time Vulnerability
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