This quote uses the metaphor of a goat eating a book to represent the process of consuming literature or any form of knowledge. Just as a goat doesn’t discriminate between what it eats and consumes everything, sometimes readers might consume content without truly understanding its depth, leaving the meaning to be lost or distorted.
The second part of the quote suggests that once the original meaning is lost, it needs to find an author again. This could mean that once information is misconstrued or misunderstood, someone else may need to reinterpret and rewrite it in order for its true essence to be conveyed again.
applying this idea in today’s world where we are surrounded by an abundance of information through digital media can help us understand how easy it is for misinformation and misinterpretation to spread. It serves as a reminder that we should not simply consume information mindlessly like a goat but strive towards understanding its deeper meanings.
In terms of personal growth, this quote encourages critical thinking and reflection upon what we read or learn. Instead of passively accepting information presented to us, we should actively engage with it by questioning its validity and seeking out diverse perspectives before forming our own understanding. This way, instead of letting ‘the whole book’ disappear into unquestioning consumption, we ensure that the ‘meaning’ finds us as discerning authors who shape our own narratives with informed judgement.
