Minimally Present Quotes & Sayings

Although reading is a private activity, leaving little trace on the historical record, its importance has led scholars to investigate the evidence that remains. Letters and diaries sometimes yield valuable insights into the response of actual readers. Another source for the responses of early-modern readers is the commonplace book and more generally the copying practice known as 'commonplacing'. H. J. Jackson has demonstrated how scholars can use the notes made by readers who used the margins of a book to converse with the author and (as it happens) with posterity. — Leslie Howsam

The Renaissance had resulted in the emancipation of the individual, in making him feel that the universe had no other purpose than his happiness. This brought an entirely new answer to the question, 'Why should I do this or that?' It used to be, 'Because self-instituted authority command you.' The answer now was, 'Because it is good for men.' In this lies our greatest debt to the Renaissance, that it instituted the welfare of men as the end of all action. — Bernard Berenson

I could do Daniel Day-Lewis's job as well as him. — Laurence Fox

He wished he could somehow go back and find the iPhone people whom he'd jostled on the sidewalk earlier, apologize to them - I'm sorry, I've just realized that I'm as minimally present in this world as you are, I had no right to judge - — Emily St. John Mandel

To worship is to remember Who owns the house. — Walter Wink

It is difficult to talk about what I do, because I do it so I don't have to talk about it. — Charles M. Schulz

Birthday is special day of one's life — Lailah Gifty Akita