How wonderful! Today is the first of June; we have finally entered the blessed summer season. At least for those of us who live on the East Coast, this past winter really wore us out. It had been years since we had seen so much snow and such cold weather.
Now, at long last, the days are approaching when many of us—the fortunate ones—will take a well-deserved break from our work, travel to Greece, reminisce, rejuvenate ourselves, and enjoy life.
Ah, and I hope that some of us will also pack a few books in our suitcases, whether in print or electronic form—wonderful companions and a source of great pleasure.
I still remember how surprised I was when our high school principal told us that even while eating, he always had something in front of him—a book, a newspaper—and would read.
We were children then and were more interested in playing than reading. What “sensible” person reads even while eating? Besides, even if we had wanted to read, where would we have found books?
But eventually the time came when we understood the wisdom of our principal. Reading changes lives, broadens horizons, and shapes character.
America established an admirable system of libraries throughout the country, supported by both public and private funding. By 2010, there were 17,000 public libraries in the United States.
Their number continues to grow because they adapt to modern needs. For example, they now offer computer classes as well.
A country—indeed, every free country—needs citizens who are knowledgeable and capable of thinking logically.
Unfortunately, people no longer read the way they once did. That is the reality. What most of us do today is not really reading: we hold a phone in our hand, glance at a few newspaper headlines, and skim through everyone’s armchair philosophizing.
There is a direct relationship between the level of a society, the functioning of its institutions, and the reading habits of its citizens.
But don’t read for that reason. Read for yourself. Read for your own enjoyment.
Make good use of your time. Every minute is precious.
How right our principal was!
