It used to be that readers were relegated because they considered themselves far above society, and so the metaphor of the ivory tower developed. Now there's still this idea that the reader doesn't take part in the social game and in politics, the res publica, but for other reasons: he doesn't do it because he's not making any money.
Alberto ManguelOrdered by subject, by importance, ordered according to whether the book was penned by God or by one of God's creatures, ordered alphabetically or by numbers or by the language in which the text is written, every library translates the chaos of discovery and creation into a structured system of hierarchies or a rampage of free associations.
Alberto ManguelIf justice takes place, there may be hope, even in the face of a seemingly capricious divinity.
Alberto ManguelIn any of my pages in any of my books may life a perfect account of my secret experience of the world.
Alberto Manguel