We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
The Timeless Wisdom to Read a Book Over Watching TV

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – GROUCHO MARX
Groucho Marx once said, “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” This line is sharp and simple. It shows his humor and his love for reading. The quote by Groucho Marx makes fun of how people rely on TV for knowledge. Instead of watching, he chooses to walk away and read. That choice says a lot about what he values.
This Groucho Marx quote has stayed popular because it speaks to truth. People often turn to screens for answers. But screens do not always teach. Books do. To read a book is to think, to focus, and to grow. The benefits of reading are clear—better memory, sharper thinking, and stronger language. This quote by Groucho Marx reminds us that learning needs effort. And books demand effort.
There is a quiet power in this message. Many book lovers understand it well. In the fight of television vs reading, books give more in return. A TV show ends. A book stays in your head. The witty quote shows that the choice to read is not loud or proud. It is quiet and personal. To escape television is to enter another world. That world is made of pages, not pixels.
This is also a great example of humor about reading. Groucho Marx uses a joke to make a point. But the point is strong. He is not angry at TV. He simply chooses not to waste time. His action is small—just leaving the room—but it says everything. That small act is what builds a reading habit. Many people feel this too. They choose pages over screens.
In short, this anti-TV quote tells us to think about our time. We can read a book or watch a screen. One makes us calm and sharp. The other often just passes time. The Groucho Marx quote is a call to choose better. He said it with a laugh, but he meant it. And now, more than ever, that choice still matters. For minds that want more, books win.
Who is GROUCHO MARX?
Groucho Marx was a famous American comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his quick wit and sharp humor. As part of the Marx Brothers, a comedy team with his siblings, Groucho gained fame in vaudeville, film, radio, and television. His iconic persona, with a painted-on mustache and cigar, became a symbol of comedic brilliance. Known for his satirical humor, Groucho often used jokes to challenge societal norms, including topics like leadership, politics, and relationships. His unique comedic style continues to influence humor today.
Find Groucho Marx on AMAZON.
Other Groucho Marx quotes are HERE.
Other quotes on BOOKS.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx Share on X