[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fOEAcFPNzkPN5XB8_SnfyFUQ_ZdLZo4rJV3EXukGpq2E":3,"$f5tN3_G-99kiXHwzXCWRmcPlXD1DpkBU7Z5IeHbfDm6w":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},83609,"Reader's Digest Association","R",7,null,"readers-digest-association",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":66},[14,22,28,35,42,48,54],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},3365928,"When we cannot bear to be alone, it means we do not properly value the only companion we will have from birth to death – ourselves. – EDA LESHAN.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":23,"quote_text":24,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":25,"source":26,"quote_tag":27,"commentary":9},3365922,"Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":34},3365918,"No man can be called friendless when he has God and the companionship of good books.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is attributed to the founder of Reader's Digest Association, DeWitt Wallace (1889-1981). Born into a family of modest means in Iowa, Wallace was an avid reader and writer who believed in the transformative power of literature. During his lifetime, he oversaw the growth of Reader's Digest from a small magazine into a global media brand.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nAt first glance, this quote seems to be a simple expression of gratitude for the companionship of books. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a profound tension between two seemingly contradictory ideas: loneliness and connection. The author suggests that even in the absence of human friends, one can still find solace and meaning through the companionship of good books.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nIn today's hyper-connected world, where social media often masquerades as meaningful relationships, we can learn from Wallace's wisdom by cultivating a deeper appreciation for solo activities that nourish our minds. By embracing the idea that books can be a reliable source of comfort and connection, professionals and creatives can develop a more resilient mindset, better equipped to handle the isolation that inevitably comes with pursuing their passions.\n\nIn practice, this might mean setting aside dedicated time each week to read without distraction or expectation, allowing oneself to fully immerse in the world of ideas and imagination. By doing so, individuals can tap into a sense of purpose and belonging that is not dependent on external validation, but rather on their own inner life.",{"id":36,"quote_text":37,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":38,"source":39,"quote_tag":40,"commentary":41},3365889,"A friend is someone you can do nothing with, and enjoy it.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\n\nThis enigmatic quote is often attributed to Edith Sitwell, a British poet and critic. While I couldn't pinpoint an exact source or date for the quote, it's likely from her writings in the mid-20th century when she was struggling with personal relationships and societal expectations. Her poetry during this period reflects a sense of disillusionment and introspection.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nOn closer examination, the quote reveals a profound paradox: the idea that true friendship is not about doing something specific or achieving a particular goal, but rather about finding joy in each other's company regardless of activity. This challenges the conventional notion that friendships are built on shared interests or productive endeavors, instead highlighting the value of presence and companionship.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nTo apply this mindset today, try focusing on simply being with others, without feeling obligated to fill every moment with a specific activity. By embracing the quiet moments of connection, you can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships that transcend shared hobbies or projects.",{"id":43,"quote_text":44,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":45,"source":46,"quote_tag":47,"commentary":9},3365873,"My wife and I were living in Cambridge, Massachusetts – the quintessential college town. Rushing through the supermarket checkout, we didn’t notice we were in a 12-item line and what we had was way over the limit. The weary cashier looked at all our groceries. “Are you from Harvard and can’t count or from MIT and can’t read?” – BRADFORD.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":49,"quote_text":50,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":51,"source":52,"quote_tag":53,"commentary":9},3365857,"You may find the worst enemy or best friend in yourself. – ENGLISH PROVERB.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":55,"quote_text":56,"author_id":5,"source_id":57,"has_image":18,"author":58,"source":59,"quote_tag":60,"commentary":9},610342,"Babies are born without knee-caps.",2,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[61],{"id":62,"tag":63},3196601,{"id":64,"tag_name":65},4428,"facts",{"currentPage":67,"totalPages":67,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":68},1,10]