This quote suggests an irony about human behavior, particularly about our relationship with knowledge and the illusion of possessing it. The statement implies that people often buy books with the intention of acquiring knowledge, but the act of buying the book is sometimes where the pursuit ends. The book may remain unread, yet the person may feel a sense of intellectual achievement simply by owning it. This could be due to a lack of time, interest, or discipline to follow through with reading the book.

In essence, the quote is a commentary on the superficiality of material possession as a substitute for true understanding or knowledge. It suggests that the measure of one’s intellect isn’t in the number of books they own, but in the depth of understanding they gain from actually reading and absorbing the contents of those books.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. In the realm of social media, for example, people often share articles or posts without fully reading or understanding them, simply to appear informed or engaged. This could be seen as a digital parallel to buying books without reading them.

In terms of personal development, the quote could serve as a reminder that true growth and learning require more than just the intention or the resources. It demands time, effort, and active engagement. It suggests that one should not fall into the trap of equating the possession of learning materials (like books) with actual learning. Instead, one should focus on the process of learning itself, which involves reading, understanding, questioning, and applying the knowledge gained.