Choose an author as you choose a friend

[choose] {one's} author as {sb} [choose] {one's} [friend]

choose your author as you would choose your [friend]

choose your author like you choose your [friend]

Definitie & Betekenis van "choose an author as you choose a friend"

choose an author as you choose a friend

ZIN

used to advise being selective in reading choices as books and authors, like friends, can have a significant impact on one's life and personal growth

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "choose an author as you choose a friend" and when to use it?

The proverb "choose an author as you choose a friend" is believed to have originated from the English poet Wentworth Dillon in his 'Essay on Translated Verse.' He advised that selecting an author should be a deliberate and thoughtful process, similar to how one would choose a friend. This emphasizes that the works of an author, much like the qualities of a friend, should align with personal values and interests, as their influence can have a lasting impact. Over time, the proverb has been used to encourage careful consideration when choosing books or authors to ensure they positively shape one's thoughts and character.

Example

The book club members discussed how they choose the books they read, agreeing that choosing your author as you choose your friends was important - reading was not just an intellectual exercise, but also a personal and emotional one.

The librarian advised the young reader to choose an author as you choose a friend and select writers based on shared values and interests, not just popularity.