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Our grandparents, and great grandparents also had libraries of some type. Most of us have none of those books. Books get out dated quickly, we have different
by bhouston 2y ago
Our grandparents, and great grandparents also had libraries of some type. Most of us have none of those books. Books get out dated quickly, we have different interests, etc.
We prefer to keep things our ancestors created (journals, artwork), awarded (military medals), used in a meaningful way or that represent them (photos.) And because space is limited and we technically have a nearly unlimited number of ancestors, we do not keep much.
- deleted 2y ago[deleted]
- organsnyder 2y agoI have a lot of my dad's old library. His first career was as a philosophy professor, and so it's mostly books too specific for me to sustain an interest in (certainly not that many of them). I have the space, so I've been holding on to them, but I really wish I could ask him (he passed away in 2007) which books were dear to him, and why. As it is, a particular book could have landed on his shelves because he got a good deal on it or something.
- sevensor 2y agoThis is why I’ve started writing marginalia when I read. It’s a conversation with the future, and an explanation of why you should care about the book. If a reader wants a pristine copy, it’s easy to come by. For the most part. I’m not going to go marking up a rare book, but then I’m not likely to own one either.
- WillAdams 2y agoOne of my most treasured books is a translation of Goethe's _Faust_ which has marginal notes from a nun.
- globnomulous 2y agoThis rings true. I deeply regret not keeping my father's philosophy library, especially his Wittgenstein shelves.