As long as a relation is known to me as existing only in a single
case, I have but an _individual_ idea of it--in other words, only an
intuitive knowledge of it; but as soon as I see the same relation in
two different cases, I have a _general_ idea of its whole nature, and
this is a deeper and more perfect knowledge.
Since, then, similes and metaphors are such a powerful engine of
knowledge, it is a sign of great intelligence in a writer if his
similes are unusual and, at the same time, to the point. Aristotle
also observes that by far the most important thing to a writer is
to have this power of metaphor; for it is a gift which cannot be
acquired, and it is a mark of genius.
As regards _reading_, to require that a man shall retain everything he
has ever read, is like asking him to carry about with him all he has
ever eaten. The one kind of food has given him bodily, and the other
mental, nourishment; and it is through these two means that he has
grown to be what he is. The body assimilates only that which is like
it; and so a man retains in his mind only that which interests him, in
other words, that which suits his system of thought or his purposes in
life.
If a man wants to read good books, he must make a point of avoiding
bad ones; for life is short, and time and energy limited.
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