Essays

Reading is a good habit. But it should be developed from childhood, for, later we may not find time for its acquisition.

Reading has a good number of advantages. It is pleasureable. It enhances our knowledge, it sharpens our intellect. Francis Bacon, the English author has said: "Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man and writing an exact man." A good reader develops a good personality He gathers knowledge and wisdom and picks up worthy habits.

Reading is a source of pleasure. It gives us a sense of well being and peace of mind. Books may inspire us to achieve something and be a success in life. A well-read person will not be found wanting.

Reading could be of books, magazines, newspapers. Among books, fiction reading ensures we develop a good vocabulary for speaking and writing well. The more we read, the larger is our word bank. Therefore, reading novels cannot be called a waste of time.

Then we have magazines of different periodicity— weekly, fortnightly, monthly, bimonthly or a quarterly. They cover different subjects. Some cover politics, economics, international relations, social aspects and are family magazines. If one goes through these regularly one is well read and well informed.

We have newspapers published from the country's capital city; also from state capitals. Some of these are outstanding contents-wise and also for neat production— their typography and format match international standards. One who goes through these is very knowledgeable and is abreast of latest news and developments.

Some people build their own personal libraries. They buy books on a regular basis. But if you do not have the space, avail of a lending library for books and reading rooms for newspapers in different languages. Time spent on this first thing in the morning is very worthwhile.

What food is to our body, reading is to our mind. Bacon said: "Some books are to be tasted, others are to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested." Good books ought to be our companion. Books give us in a nutshell about the experience of others—we benefit from that and become wiser. Biographies and autobiographies—national and international—give us a lot to leam from. Also reading sacred books and scriptures make us broad minded and tolerant and patient.

Reading for pleasure is different from academic or professional reading. The former is informal and voluntary, the latter compulsory to qualify and get through.

Our senior political leaders do a lot of reading—they have the new arrivals on their bookshelves that they read before going to sleep—that is why they are so knowledgeable and speak and write so well. Their personalities become different and their spiritual quotient is high. They become role models worth following. More the reading, more the refinement in a person's personality.