[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fVXwTlfq8N43-YX6a4TS6vdYEL4tW7PTQXHfPls_Jyng":3,"$f71aazZ_XdOeALWJDd7x0PPBdxv_eG_S4M0SsWPj-61k":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},10612,"Charles W. Eliot","C",1,null,"charles-w-eliot",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":43},[14],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":42},40295,"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.",2,true,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22,27,32,37],{"id":23,"tag":24},275428,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},52,"reading",{"id":28,"tag":29},275427,{"id":30,"tag_name":31},130,"friends",{"id":33,"tag":34},275426,{"id":35,"tag_name":36},177,"books",{"id":38,"tag":39},275429,{"id":40,"tag_name":41},7797,"teachers","**The Backstory**\nCharles William Eliot, the 3rd President of Harvard University, penned these words around 1878, amidst his efforts to modernize and expand access to education in the United States. As he navigated the complexities of higher learning during a time of rapid social change, Eliot's appreciation for the transformative power of books grew. His emphasis on literacy and intellectual pursuits reflected his commitment to democratizing knowledge.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nWhat may initially seem like a sentimental tribute to literature reveals itself as a profound commentary on the nature of intimacy and connection in an increasingly urbanized society. By elevating books to the status of friends, Eliot acknowledges that meaningful relationships can be forged outside of geographical proximity or traditional social hierarchies.\n\n**How to Use This**\nIn today's fast-paced professional landscape, we can apply Eliot's wisdom by cultivating a practice of \"book friendships.\" Schedule regular time for reading and reflection, treating these activities as essential appointments with oneself. By doing so, we create space for introspection, intellectual growth, and the kind of quiet companionship that Eliot believed books offer.",{"currentPage":8,"totalPages":8,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":44},10]