I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for, certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. But I will no longer importune my young cousin.
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 14. After his meal with the Bennets, Mr. Collins insists on reading to the girls from a book of sermons and Lydia gets bored and interrupts him with gossip about the militia soldiers. The offended Collins abandons his reading, complaining about how little young ladies are interested in serious books written for their benefit.