Words and Books
" ... it's only words, and words are all I have ... "
The BeeGees
Whenever I walk through Barnes and Noble, I never cease to be amazed by the amount of books there are in one branch of that store, and the variety of topics that are covered. Another things that amazes me is how little time more and more people dedicate to reading. In the age of HD-TV, high-speed internet and all that other jazz, who really has time to open up a book and actually leaf through the pages? Indeed, I've heard one person ask, surprised, "you read the newspaper? Who has time for that anymore? Why don't you just watch the news in half an hour?" Or, "you're going to read that? But, the movie's in theatres!"
Couple of reasons why I prefer to read: First, the televised news doesn't cover everything. Hell, I have a friend who watched the news, and knew nothing about the protests in France. Second, I find I get so much more bang for my buck when I read (newspapers, and books). The only way people know what we're thinking is by communication. Words are the bridge to communication; and, when I read, I find that I fortify that bridge. I learn a new word almost everyday that can take the place of some inane phrase that I previously used, and gets my point across better. Third, reading is fun! It can be done anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Sitting in a park, riding on a bus, relaxing on your couch, wherever, whenever. Embrace a book today! See how entertaining it can be!
I've got a friend who loves to buy books, and although I try to get her to stop buying so much of them, I secretly admire her for reading so many books. She recently told me she had a book for home, a book for work, a book for the bus ride to work, and even maybe one for the bus ride BACK. I was astounded, but I was impressed. If only more people had a passion for reading like she does. I know she's reading this, so let me insert my disclaimer: "This is no excuse to buy the entire bookstore and break our pact! I am just saying that I think it's great you read so many books!"
The BeeGees
Whenever I walk through Barnes and Noble, I never cease to be amazed by the amount of books there are in one branch of that store, and the variety of topics that are covered. Another things that amazes me is how little time more and more people dedicate to reading. In the age of HD-TV, high-speed internet and all that other jazz, who really has time to open up a book and actually leaf through the pages? Indeed, I've heard one person ask, surprised, "you read the newspaper? Who has time for that anymore? Why don't you just watch the news in half an hour?" Or, "you're going to read that? But, the movie's in theatres!"
Couple of reasons why I prefer to read: First, the televised news doesn't cover everything. Hell, I have a friend who watched the news, and knew nothing about the protests in France. Second, I find I get so much more bang for my buck when I read (newspapers, and books). The only way people know what we're thinking is by communication. Words are the bridge to communication; and, when I read, I find that I fortify that bridge. I learn a new word almost everyday that can take the place of some inane phrase that I previously used, and gets my point across better. Third, reading is fun! It can be done anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Sitting in a park, riding on a bus, relaxing on your couch, wherever, whenever. Embrace a book today! See how entertaining it can be!
I've got a friend who loves to buy books, and although I try to get her to stop buying so much of them, I secretly admire her for reading so many books. She recently told me she had a book for home, a book for work, a book for the bus ride to work, and even maybe one for the bus ride BACK. I was astounded, but I was impressed. If only more people had a passion for reading like she does. I know she's reading this, so let me insert my disclaimer: "This is no excuse to buy the entire bookstore and break our pact! I am just saying that I think it's great you read so many books!"
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Something to ponder:
Following is an excerpt from Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness by Catherine Ingram. It's in keeping with today's theme, and also relates to my earlier "Baked Nuts" post.
'" ... we also notice the power of words to condition perception. By naming things, we invoke a preconceived picture of the object or event and we therefore have a conditioned response to it, if only momentarily. Now, of course, language is a fantastic communications tool, necessary and useful. But it is helpful to know its place in our awareness and the limits of its usefulness. I often say, in paraphrasing Shakespeare, "A rose by no name at all would smell as sweet."
Following is an excerpt from Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness by Catherine Ingram. It's in keeping with today's theme, and also relates to my earlier "Baked Nuts" post.
'" ... we also notice the power of words to condition perception. By naming things, we invoke a preconceived picture of the object or event and we therefore have a conditioned response to it, if only momentarily. Now, of course, language is a fantastic communications tool, necessary and useful. But it is helpful to know its place in our awareness and the limits of its usefulness. I often say, in paraphrasing Shakespeare, "A rose by no name at all would smell as sweet."
posted by Piggles @ 8:40 am
5 comments
5 Comments:
Now why would your friend even ponder buying out a whole bookstore? *rolls eyes*
And I agree with you. Books are wonderful things and people need to read more of them! So... does that mean I should run over to Pages and see what's new? Hmmm?
i tried to read todays post...
...i think i'll wait for the dvd
Gee thanks Chet. Now we're gonna have to buy another bookcase. Blast!
I don't know what you're talking about. I have control.
*giggles* at ishmoo...Captain, I've told you once, I've told you a million times...being surrounded by books...walking in to a library or a book store....total wet knickers experience...Intellectual stimulation before anything else...However, some of us (ishmoo) get by on natural charm and good looks...
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