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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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7

'Sexy' Classics We Say We've Read

We think fibbing about reading classics makes us appear intelligent, 'sexier'

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(Newser) – The Bible, War and Peace, 1984, and Ulysses are some of the classics people say they've read but actually haven't, a new British study has found. Why? Two-thirds of those surveyed fibbed about their reading mainly to appear intelligent and "more sexually attractive," a researcher tells the Daily Telegraph. "It makes them look good." Of course, "If a date comes back with some obscure quotation from Proust, you might be in trouble."

Researchers have found 65% of people have fibbed about reading a book to appear intelligent and 'more sexually attractive.'
Researchers have found 65% of people have fibbed about reading a book to appear intelligent and 'more sexually attractive.'   (©Manchester Library)
Lots of books, not so very many readers.
Lots of books, not so very many readers.   (©Herkie)
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They said they were prepared to lie about what they'd read to impress people, particularly when it came to potential partners. - Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust

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7 comments
VIEWING:
 
Forderon
Mar 5, 09 11:16 AM CST
Oh yea, nothing turns me on like someone who has read War and Peace Reply
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Mad
Mar 5, 09 11:38 AM CST
"The Bible, War and Peace, 1984, and Ulysses" -- I have indeed read, cover to cover, three of the four books listed above, yet I do not think that makes me 'sexy' as the article indicates. I think it makes me literate. Does evoking Joyce excite a woman? Hmmmm Irish women, maybe Reply
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SPH
Mar 5, 09 1:41 PM CST
Nothing gets a woman to bed as quickly as reciting Bible verses..... Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
sirjorge.com
Aug 10, 09 4:09 PM CDT
that's how i got my wife, don't knock it
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+1
anchower
Mar 5, 09 5:20 PM CST
If some chick started spouting Proust at me, I'd just get up and leave. Reply
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