Some of the most famous books are the least worth reading. Their fame was due to their having done something that needed to be doing in their day. The work is done and the virtue of the book has expired.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation with the keywords bolded:

The quote by Moliere offers a critical perspective on the relationship between fame and lasting value in literature. He argues that some of the most famous books may actually be among the least worth reading today. Their fame arose because they addressed urgent or important issues in their own time, fulfilling a specific need or purpose.

Moliere suggests that once the original task or work that the book accomplished is complete, the book’s virtue or relevance can expire. In other words, the significance of some works is tied closely to their historical context, and they may lose their impact or appeal as society and ideas evolve.

The origin of this quote lies in Moliere’s experience as a 17th-century playwright and social commentator. His insight encourages readers to think critically about why certain works gain fame and whether that fame translates into enduring worth. It reminds us that cultural and intellectual relevance can change over time, affecting how we value famous literature.