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Author Topic: Quality or Quantity  (Read 658 times)
Dade
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« on: March 19, 2008, 06:03:00 PM »
The personal vanity in me often cringes at the fact I have only one pagan book when I hear another has one book for herblore, one for trees and so on.  It saddens me further to hear that someone is not a true pagan, true druid until you've read this booklist or studied X years.  I would rather have one book that I can use then 10 that I cannot.  Am I just lazy or are there others that feel this way?
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Raphael
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« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2008, 06:15:19 PM »
To be a true anything, to me it's not what you physically have, it's how passionate you are about the topic and how you apply yourself to the situation.  So.....I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'd rather have one book of quality, vice 100 full of fluff.
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« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2008, 06:29:39 PM »
I have several books, but whenever I really want to read anything of substance, I always grab one or two books off my shelf and read those. The other's more or less collect dust. I think it depends on the individual. Some people feel the need to read everything they can get their hands on, other's feel comfortable with just one or two books.  But I will say this, when I pick up a book and it's rehashed content that I've read before and I don't get anything out of it, I feel like I just wasted money.
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ResplendentSeraphim
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« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2008, 06:55:47 PM »
I am somewhat guilty of straddling the fence on this issue of quantity vs. quality.  Since I am overly curious, I will always want to know what is inside each book.  However...


When it comes to spiritual or religious books, I try to understand what I can from a few books before I continue onto other books.  Otherwise, the new stuff will confuse me.  While the amount of books out there are good for scholarly purposes, I feel I learn just as much (if not more) from people who have been indoctrinated in a religious tradition out there.  So, I use books for scholarly and research purposes, which makes me get more than just a few..  At the same time, though, experiential aspects of religion and spirituality are equally as important (and take precedence over scholarly knowledge).  I am not sure if I make any sense here...

When it comes to learning skills, I am definitely leaning toward quality in books.  The skills that can be obtained from book knowledge is limited, and I strive to try to find an accredited teacher to continue the mastery of certain skills...so getting more and more books strikes me as counter-productive in this regard.

I think in the end, it really depends.  If people read fiction, they will likely find themselves looking for only certain categories or styles and therefore pay attention to the quality...but then they also start trying to get more and more books by that author for as long as the author keeps the same, quality-level writing.  I tend to fall under this category, as well.



See? I cannot just pick one or another.  :-D  It really depends.


Sincerely,
ResplendentSeraphim
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Nicholas
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« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2008, 10:33:17 PM »
Personally I think the quality of texts is far more important to quantity. Just from personal experience I can say that, you could have 1000 books on a certain topic but if it doesn't make sense to you or it is bad information well it won't do you much good. I feel those who focus on smaller bits of information and study hard at it become wiser in the end. I am remotely Pagan, I say that because I am constantly at battle with my Atheist upbringing, I feel that to truly understand something is to truly know it, general knowledge of all things is alright but mastering particular sectors of your craft or religion is what grants true and total dedication and wisdom. I may be old fashioned in this way, but I believe in my words.
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« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2008, 09:35:32 AM »
I think it depends on the subject material. If I am reading to educate myself, then I think quality. If I am reading for enjoyment, then I can say I have many books.
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