In general I ask for books that make use of learning, not those that build it up.

“In general I ask for books that make use of learning, not those that build it up,” is a quote that emphasizes the importance of application over accumulation. It suggests that knowledge by itself is not enough; what truly matters is how we apply what we know.

The quote implies a preference for books (or any form of knowledge) which inspire thought, provoke questions, and encourage the reader to use their existing knowledge in new and innovative ways. This contrasts with books that merely provide information or build up knowledge without pushing the reader to think critically or see things from different perspectives.

In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. In education, for instance, there’s an increasing shift from rote memorization towards problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Instead of simply imparting facts to students, educators are now focusing more on teaching students how to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

In personal development too, this concept holds great value. Often people get trapped in the cycle of constantly consuming self-help content without ever applying it effectively in their lives. The essence here lies not just in acquiring new insights but actually implementing them into our daily routines and habits.

Moreover, this idea also applies to our information-saturated digital age where data is abundant but wisdom seems scarce. We have access to vast amounts of information at our fingertips but making meaningful use out of it requires discernment and practical application – something Montaigne advocates strongly for through his quote.

Montaigne’s words serve as a reminder: Knowledge isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about application – using what we learn to think differently about ourselves or our world.