Meaning: This quote, attributed to the ancient Greek scholar and writer Moses Hadas, is a sarcastic and humorous comment on receiving a copy of someone's book. The quote suggests that the recipient has no intention of reading the book and implies that the book is not worth the time or effort. While it may seem like a dismissive and rude remark on the surface, it can also be interpreted as a playful and lighthearted jab at the sender.

Moses Hadas was a renowned scholar of the classics, best known for his translations of various works from Greek and Latin into English. His wit and humor were often evident in his writings and speeches, and this quote exemplifies his sharp and clever sense of humor. Through this quote, Hadas captures the sentiment of receiving unsolicited books or manuscripts, a common experience for writers and academics.

The quote can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the context in which it is used. On one hand, it could be seen as a humorous way of expressing disinterest in the sender's work, perhaps suggesting that the recipient is too busy or uninterested to dedicate time to reading it. On the other hand, it could be taken as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of the sender's efforts, with the recipient playfully acknowledging the receipt of the book while also poking fun at the idea of actually reading it.

In the world of literature and academia, receiving copies of books from aspiring or established authors is a common occurrence. Writers often send out copies of their books to friends, colleagues, and influencers in the hopes of garnering praise, reviews, or endorsements. Hadas' quote speaks to the experience of being inundated with such materials and the challenge of finding time to read and respond to each one.

The quote also touches on the subjective nature of literature and the diversity of tastes and preferences among readers. What one person may find engaging and worthwhile, another may dismiss as a waste of time. Hadas' wry comment highlights the notion that not every book will appeal to every reader, and that it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge this reality with a sense of humor.

Overall, the quote by Moses Hadas serves as a humorous and relatable reflection on the experience of receiving unsolicited books or manuscripts. It captures the challenges of managing the influx of literary materials while also acknowledging the subjective nature of reading preferences. While it may come across as cheeky or dismissive, it ultimately reveals a lighthearted approach to a common aspect of literary and scholarly life.