The old saying “ignorance is bliss” is inaccurate and misleading. Nearly 90 million adults or one out of every two American’s today are illiterate.

“The term “reading” may be applied to two utterly different types of experience: first, skimming the daily paper and light fiction contained in periodicals; second, enjoyment and appreciation of books of real worth, books that have stood the test of time.”

The books that have stood the test of time are classic books such as Anne of Green Gables, Gone With The Wind, and thousands of others.

Why do people read books? Studies have shown that the majority read for current events or sheer relaxation and pleasure most of the time. These are honorable motives. “One of the true tests of literature is that is brings enjoyment.” (Jacobsen, 1941)

My favorite thing to do each night as I prepare the fall asleep is to curl up with a good book. It brings me comfort when I’m feeling alone and knowledge and light to my mind as part of my daily learning. I just cannot comprehend when someone tells me that they do not have enough time to read. I am a very busy person with a large, homeschooling family, yet I make sure that I take time for myself to read almost everyday.

Abbe Earnest Dimnet in the Art of Thinking, says, “Do not read good books- life is too short for that. Only read the best. And of those only read what gives you the greatest pleasure. The busier you are the more severe your selection should be. But you have no time, you say. Are you sincere? Examine your conscience and answer. Is there no time you can reclaim, not from your work, not from your excerise nor from your family or friends, but from pleasure that really does not give you much pleasure. Do you know how to gather up fragments of time lest they persish? Do you realize the value of minutes? Very busy people always find time for everything. Conversely, people with immense leisure find time for nothing.”

Do not allow anyone to take away your time to learn- your time to yourself enjoying a good book. Start today with a good classic book and read as much with snatches of time that you can and increase your vocabulary, brain function, and store of lessons learned.

“Books are the food of youth, the delight of old age; the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity; a delight at home, and no hindrance abraod; companions at night, in traveling, in the country.” – Cicero.

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About The Author:  1 US Government Report, The State of Literacy in America, 1998 2 Vauna Smith Jacobsen, “Helpful Aides to Reading”, Relief Society Magazine, April 1941. Shiloah Baker is a homeschooling mother of seven children. She runs two large homemaking websites. Join the Deluxe Edition and receive a free 100 Days of Summer eBook!! www.homemakingcottage.com www.ahomemakingjourney.com

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