Books - Foundation of Knowledge

Books are considered to be the main source of knowledge. Marilyn Von Savant says,'To acquire knowledge one must study'. According to Robin Sharma, the author of 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari'."Books help you to see what is already within yourself". Reading is as important, if not more important than learning and training. Wise men say,"we must not stop reading, come what may". John Rohn, who knows the dominant role what books play in our life , once said,'Miss a meal if you have to, but don't miss a book'. According to Martin Tupper: "A good book is the best of friends". As if to put the records straight Eramus points out one important aspect of buying books and if any money is left ,I buy food and clothes'. It is said that every time you say no to buy a book, you are saying no to something that is not only important but also essential for a life of contentment and happiness. It is firmly believed that writing and speaking solely and wholly depends on reading books. Once the famous American Short Story Writer O Henry visited a European country. After verifying his country travel papers, the officer at the Immigration desk asked him a simple routine question, "Mr. Henry, do you have anything to declare?" In his unique style he said ," Sir I have nothing to declare except my genius". John Ruskin says," All books are divisible into two classes, the books of the hour and books of all time". Similarly some books are read by 95% of people for some years and then they are virtually forgotten. Take for example detective novels and books on world war. The present generation, to a large extent, might not have heard about the authors like Erle Stanley Gardner, Agatha Christie, James Hadley Chase, Carter Brown, Ian Fleming, Frederic Forsyth etc. Irrespective of the change in the taste of readers 5% of the people continue to read classics. About classics it is humorously said,"A classic is a book which every one wants to read but nobody would have read". Mark Twine once remarked ,"Classic: A book which people praise and don't read". Books are the best companions as well as good counsellors. They are like best friends. As a best friend walks in when others prefer to walk out, books too walk into console you. They offer the best solace you think of Read and lead, lead and read.