Literary notes about Acquire (AI summary)
The term "acquire" takes on a rich versatility in literature, functioning both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It often denotes the gradual attainment of abilities, reputation, or material wealth—as seen when a character learns new skills or builds social stature ([1], [2]). In other contexts, it implies obtaining qualities that transform one's inner nature, such as the pursuit of wisdom or virtue, or even succumbing to negative traits ([3], [4]). Moreover, the word can signal a complex process of self-improvement and the accumulation of power or understanding, whether that be in the pursuit of knowledge or mastery over one’s passions ([5], [6]). Through these varied uses, "acquire" emerges as a dynamic term that not only marks the act of obtaining but also reflects the evolving character or context in which it is employed.
- He will, in its practice, acquire easy motion, a light step, and learn to use both hands and feet well.
— from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Cecil B. Hartley - Just in proportion to your love for the beautiful will you acquire its charms and develop its graces.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - If you choose a vicious person, I do not say her foster-child will acquire her vices, but he will suffer for them.
— from Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Brothers, love is a teacher; but one must know how to acquire it, for it is hard to acquire, it is dearly bought, it is won slowly by long labor.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - he has assurance of some kind that he will acquire some higher life.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker - It will convince us of our ignorance on the mutual relations of all organic beings; a conviction as necessary, as it seems to be difficult to acquire.
— from On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin
