How much of a language can you learn by just reading or learning quotes, ie, Plato, Confucius, Caesar? Are these worth the time and effort or are they simply a distraction?

Question

Answer

Reading quotes from famous thinkers and writers like Plato, Confucius, and Caesar can certainly provide value in language learning, but their impact might be limited if used as the sole source of learning. Here's why:

1. **Language Exposure**: Quotes offer exposure to the language's vocabulary, sentence structure, and style. They can enhance your understanding of idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances.

2. **Limited Context**: However, quotes often lack context, which can make it challenging to fully grasp their meanings. They might not cover a wide range of everyday conversational topics and situations.

3. **Depth vs. Breadth**: While quotes showcase eloquent language, they may not cover the breadth of vocabulary and grammar needed for comprehensive communication.

4. **Motivation and Inspiration**: Reading quotes can inspire and motivate learners. They offer insights into the thoughts and wisdom of prominent figures, which can be intellectually stimulating.

5. **Supplementary Tool**: Quotes should be used as a supplementary tool alongside other language-learning methods like reading books, engaging in conversations, watching movies, and practicing writing.

So, while reading quotes can be enriching and provide linguistic benefits, they're more effective when combined with a diverse range of language-learning activities. They might not be a distraction, but rather a complement to a well-rounded language learning approach.