The Habit And Power Of Reading With Reflection

The habit and power of reading with reflection, comprehension, and memory all alert and awake, does not come at once to the natural [person] any more than many other sovereign virtues.

— John Morley

The Meaning Of The Quote

The quote by John Morley suggests that the ability to read effectively, with deep understanding and retention, doesn’t develop instantly or naturally in most people. It is a skill that requires time, practice, and conscious effort. Just as many other valuable qualities or virtues are not inherent or acquired easily, so is the skill of reading with reflection, comprehension, and a sharp memory.

Morley is emphasizing that becoming a proficient and thoughtful reader is a gradual process that demands dedication and the cultivation of these essential abilities over time. It is a reminder that the development of these “sovereign virtues” takes effort and is not something that occurs spontaneously.