PLEASURE OF READING

PLEASURE OF READING

By

 Anil Kumar Gupta

Librarian

Kendriya Vidyalaya

BSF Rampura

Fazilka 

Introduction:-This is rightly said about books by Francis Bacon: “some books are to be tasted, others are to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested.”Books always provide variety in reading and one may entertain his/her leisure hours by reading books. There are several means to recreation and entertainment. Of all the means of getting healthy and soulful pleasure is the pleasure of reading. In today’s literature world we have a large number of printed and non- printed materials around us. These are like books, magazines, journals, newspapers, comics and audio – video materials. Most of this material is published for specific purpose and some for a temporary use. For instance books, magazines etc pertaining of specific subjects trade, industry and profession such as on Science, Art, Tourism, Management, Tailoring etc or some of concerning some University, School Boards or Competitive Examination etc. Some books are not of common interest.

Addison has said “Reading is to mind, what exercise is to body.”

Book of Common Prayer has mentioned“Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.”

Swift has quoted somewhere”When I am reading a book, whether wise or silly, it seems to me to be alive and talking to me”

                        Reading is an essential part of life where you believe on increasing knowledge. The most useful advantage along with genuine pleasure can be derived by reading the immortal books on Literature, History etc. written by the great writers of the time, who are no more.  Such books on poetry, drama, essays, stories, travelogue, history etc Reading can entertain and can develop intellect also. Reading imparts knowledge and provide healthy environment to a reader. As we know that the Books are the only friends to whom you can interact at any time. To make reading a pleasure one may take help of Libraries. Daily reading material like reading newspapers may entertain and may update you in respect of current knowledge. Reading fiction may inculcate something good in you because these reading materials always give some moral in the end.

                        Reading more and more literature sometimes inculcates good writing habits and one day you may be a great writer. Reading should be takes as serious one. Reading should be passion for a reader. Passion towards reading improves intellect and it makes a person more knowledgeable than the others. Reading creates interest to read more and try to get more. Reading is a literary exercise to entertain mind and soul.

Emerson has suggested few things about reading: -

1. Never read any book that is not a year old.

2. Never read any but famed books.

3. Never read any book but what you like.

Charles Lamb in his last essays of Elia has said: -“I love to lose myself in other men’s minds, when I am not walking. I am reading I cannot sit and think. Books think for me.”

Francis Bacon has quoted somewhere- “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.”

Thoreau has rightly said” Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all.”

                        Reading is some ways helpful to you due to following reasons:-

1.   To know about the latest publications.

2.   To know about the recent trends.

3.   To know about the recent developments taking place in various fields.

4.   To fulfill educational needs.

5.   To cater to reading a habit.

6.   To learn the art of writing

7.   To know about the literary way of style of writing

8.   To know the feelings of a writer

9.   To know about the historical events of pasts

10. To entertain

    11. To make books our friends

    12. To improve vocabulary

13. For extra reading

    14. To refresh

    15. To encourage to do better

Chang Chao has described reading as “ Reading books in one’s youth is like looking at the moon through a crevice: reading books in the middle age is like looking at the moon in one’s courtyard: and reading a book in an old age is like looking at the moon on an open terrace. This is because the depth of benefits of reading varies in proportion to the depth of one’s own experience.”

As Rousseau has righty explained the term reading in few words “Too much reading hinders knowledge. We think we know what we have read, consider ourselves excused from learning it.”

“Some people read only because they are too lazy to think” it is said by G.C. Lichtenberg

Ralph Waldo Emerson said “We often read with as much talent as we write”

Conclusion: - By going through the opinion of the experts and thinkers we may could the importance of reading in our literary world. Reading is a good exercise for mind to develop intellect. Reading is as important to us as we do other important things in our daily life. Reading takes to you in a different world where you meet with the situation and you act according to your needs. Have good books in your pocket always and fulfils your dreams. It takes you out from despair. Have fun of reading and making new friends every day.

Best wishes and thanks for reading this article.