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Show ' PURPOSES OF READING. ' I think it has been said that a very accurate estimate of a person's character can be found by simply knowing the kind of matter that person reads.' This sIiowb the importance im-portance of choosing the best works of the best writers, and in such a time of plenty, it is certainly certain-ly unnecessary to accept anything but the best. Knowing tho necessity neces-sity of good reading, we may more correctly judge of the true object of such readiug. There are two purposes for which reading' is done; namely, improvement and pleasure, two broad terms which incl ude a great deal. If improvment is the aim, information is sought for. Every person should try to grow, that is, become mentaly stronger in ; every . line. From a practical jioiut of view, this may not seein to be required, re-quired, but, upon investigation, it will.be found that the most successful success-ful men or women are . those who possess a largo stock of general information, in-formation, a large, part of which can only 1 be obtained through " reading. ' Such a one may' ;inot necessarly have completetl a col--" leg course, .though, -iha.t is one of the best ways of developing 4ie mind obtaining a large amount of general knowledge; but must be one, a3 Huxley says, "Wirosd intellect in-tellect is a clear, cold, logic engine, with all its parts of equal strength and in smooth working order; ready like a steam engine to be j turned to any kind of work, and spin the gossamers as well as forge the anchors of the mind." ' Another phase of reading for improvement is for the-purpose of of developing the esthetic side of hnman nature. Beauty is not seeen by every-ono unless pointed out, and it is the duty of the true artist to point out snch beauty and thus help to have it understood. To reach the mass of people this must be written, and tho readers receive their reward by reading. An entirely ditfereut purpose of reading is that of pleasure. There is a sensational pleasure a love for excitement, which is easily gratified, grati-fied, but the gratification of. which is not conducive to propel- mental growth; its influence L very often harmful. On the other hand,i reading may be done simply for. amusement at times when- the mind needs a rest or. at least a change. Wit and, 1'v.mor should have a place iu ovary, day life. "Whether our reading is for one purpose or anothei-, it ahould not be confined to one subject alone but include whatever would benefit or help in any way ourselveu and oiir people M. A. G. Record. |
