“The mind that was recorded — the human mind that lived long before us and left us, as instruction, all the wealth of a soul it had accumulated. So let’s accept it this way: in books there are the souls of people who lived before our birth, as well as those living in our own time, and a book is, as it were, the universal conversation of people about their deeds and the recording of human souls about life. Understood?
Matvey remembered thick church books, with leather covers and copper clasps, and answered quietly:
— Understood.
— And aren’t you tired of listening?
— No! — the student replied eagerly.
— I believe you. Then it seems the matter will go well!
His face lit up with a smile; he stood up and, to the student’s surprise, declared:
— For the first time, that’s enough said. Think about it, and if there’s something you don’t understand — tell me.”