Meaning: The quote "Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen. Like friends, too, we should return to them again and again for, like true friends, they will never fail us - never cease to instruct - never cloy." by Charles Colton encapsulates the profound and enduring value of books in our lives. Charles Caleb Colton was an English cleric, writer, and collector, best known for his eccentricities and his book "Lacon, or, Many things in few words."

In this quote, Colton draws a parallel between books and friends, emphasizing the importance of choosing books carefully and maintaining a lasting relationship with them. Just as we select our friends with care, we should also be selective about the books we choose to read. Quality is favored over quantity, and the emphasis is on cultivating a meaningful connection with both books and friends.

The comparison between books and friends underscores the idea that both play a significant role in our lives. Friends provide companionship, support, and wisdom, while books offer knowledge, inspiration, and a different perspective on the world. Both are sources of comfort and guidance, and the quote suggests that, like true friends, books have the capacity to remain steadfast and reliable throughout our lives.

The notion of returning to books "again and again" echoes the idea of revisiting cherished friendships. Just as we turn to our friends in times of need or for companionship, we should also revisit books for the wisdom and insights they offer. The idea of repeated engagement with books reflects the belief that they have enduring value and the capacity to continually enrich our lives.

The phrase "they will never fail us - never cease to instruct - never cloy" reinforces the enduring nature of books as a source of knowledge and inspiration. Books, like true friends, are dependable and steadfast. They offer a constant source of learning and growth, never losing their ability to captivate and teach us something new. Unlike transient pleasures that may become tiresome or lose their appeal over time, books continue to provide valuable insights and remain relevant throughout the various stages of our lives.

This quote encourages us to be mindful of the books we choose to engage with, urging us to prioritize quality over quantity and to cherish the enduring value of a well-chosen book. It serves as a reminder to approach our relationship with books with the same care and consideration that we would apply to our friendships. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the profound impact that books can have on our lives.

In conclusion, Charles Colton's quote eloquently captures the enduring value of books and the parallel they share with true friends. It reminds us to be discerning in our selection of books, to revisit them for continued enlightenment, and to appreciate the enduring wisdom they offer. Just as true friends enrich our lives, so too do well-chosen books, providing us with knowledge, guidance, and inspiration that endures throughout the passage of time.