This quote emphasizes the importance of literature in enriching our lives. The “great stories and great poems” referred to by Disney are not just words on a page, but repositories of human experience, culture, emotion, and wisdom. They provide us with a deeper understanding of the world, of other people, and of ourselves. When we engage with these works, we’re not just reading, but participating in a centuries-long conversation about what it means to be human.

Being “poorer” doesn’t refer to material wealth, but to a kind of intellectual and emotional richness that comes from exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives. Without this richness, our understanding of the world can be limited and one-dimensional.

In today’s world, this quote could be seen as a call to resist the superficiality and immediacy of much of our digital culture. With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to skim the surface of knowledge without ever diving deep. Engaging with great literature requires us to slow down, to think critically, and to empathize with characters whose experiences may be very different from our own.

In terms of personal development, this idea encourages us to continually seek out new ideas and perspectives, to challenge our assumptions, and to cultivate empathy and understanding. It suggests that intellectual curiosity and a love of learning are not just desirable traits, but essential ones.

In a broader societal context, this quote also speaks to the importance of education and cultural preservation. Stories and poems are part of our shared human heritage. By engaging with them, we keep that heritage alive and ensure that it continues to enrich future generations.