Unshakable Wealth: The Power of Reading
Introduction
Wealth is often measured in terms of material possessions or financial assets, but there is a type of wealth that cannot be taken away: the wealth of knowledge. This wealth is accumulated through reading books, enriching the mind, and expanding one’s horizons. Unlike material wealth, the knowledge gained from books grows over time and shapes one’s character and outlook on life.
The Journey to Knowledge
From a young age, I began to understand the immense value of reading. Growing up in a modest environment, without the luxury of a personal library or the ability to purchase books, I still found ways to immerse myself in literature. Our family lived in a small, rented house, a single room shared by six people. Privacy was a luxury we couldn’t afford, so I often hid outdoors to read in the fading daylight, escaping into the worlds within the pages. Initially, I read indiscriminately, but as I grew older, I became more selective, delving into works that offered deeper insights and understanding.
Literature as a Mentor
Books became my mentors, offering wisdom and guidance. The works of Russian classical literature, particularly from the 19th century, played a significant role in my development. Ivan Turgenev’s “First Love” and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” were not just stories but windows into the human soul, teaching me about the complexities of life, the struggles between good and evil, and the depth of human emotion. These books were not mere entertainment; they were experiences that shaped my thinking and moral compass.
The Importance of Native Literature
While foreign literature is invaluable for broadening one’s perspective, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in one’s native literature. Russian literature, with its unparalleled depth and richness, stands out globally. Knowing and appreciating the literary heritage of one’s own country fosters a deeper connection to one’s roots and culture. The tales of Tolstoy and the humor of Chekhov taught me about my own people, our traditions, and our values. They instilled in me a sense of pride and belonging, a feeling of being part of a grand, ongoing narrative.
Reading as a Lifelong Companion
As we age, the spiritual richness that books provide becomes even more important. In solitude, the characters and stories from books become companions, offering endless opportunities for reflection and intellectual engagement. A broad literary horizon ensures that one is never alone in thought, always having something profound to contemplate. In my later years, I find solace in the words of Dickens and Hugo, their stories reminding me of the endless capacity for human resilience and compassion.
The Battle Against Cultural Degradation
In today’s world, there’s a growing concern about the cultural degradation brought on by mindless entertainment and the overuse of foreign terminologies. Maintaining the purity of one’s language is essential as language is a core component of cultural identity. The infiltration of unnecessary foreign words dilutes this purity and, by extension, the culture itself. Our language is a living testament to our history and values. It pains me to see it corrupted by needless jargon when there are perfectly good native terms. Language, much like literature, should be preserved and cherished.
A Personal Note
As a former comrade, born in 1930 and a participant in the Caribbean Crisis, I have witnessed firsthand the power of knowledge and culture in shaping our lives. The experiences from my military service during such a critical period in history underscored the importance of being well-informed and culturally grounded. These experiences, coupled with my love for reading, have fortified my belief that true wealth lies in knowledge and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wealth of knowledge gained from reading is unshakable. It shapes individuals, enhances understanding, and enriches life in ways that material wealth cannot. Embracing both native and foreign literature, while preserving the integrity of one’s language and culture, ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling intellectual life. Books are more than just pages and ink; they are a gateway to endless possibilities, a bridge to different worlds and eras, and a repository of human wisdom.
Call to Action
To cultivate this unshakable wealth, I encourage everyone to read more and explore the vast landscapes of literature. Start with the classics and expand your reading horizon. Join a book club, share your favorite reads with friends, and support local libraries. Together, let’s foster a culture of lifelong learning and intellectual enrichment. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more enlightened and understanding society. Let’s treasure the stories that connect us, the wisdom that guides us, and the knowledge that empowers us.
Question: Please share the last book that impressed you.
To the introduction:
I want to add to “Unlike material wealth, the knowledge gained from books grows over time and shapes one’s character and outlook on life” that the wealth of knowledge even grows when shared and therefore forms a society in which people more likely ally with each other, rather than to compete
withagainst each other!About the Journey to Knowledge:
Yes, that sounds quite familiar, only that I read less and less as I grew older, because live did’t allow me that luxury as it has done in my youth.
About literature as a mentor:
I totally agree!
To the Importance of native literature:
Yes, one should know where one comes from, should know ones own roots … but it is, I think, far more important to understand the foreigners roots and ways of thinking nearly as good as ones own! For only then one can break down the walls between the so called “them” and the so called “us”! Sunzu wrote in the 3rd chapter about attack by stratagem in his book “the art of war”, that “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” And that, I think, is a lesson, not only valuable in conflict and war. So that if you change “enemy” with “counterpart” and “battle” with “interaction” …
I think it wise to read as many foreign books (in their native tongue, when- and wherever possible … as well, as those of ones own tongue).
And to reading as a lifelong companion:
Yes, just yes!!
About the battle against cultural degradation:
Here, for the first time, I totally disagree. Why? Those languages that are well preserved and unchangable, old greek, latin, etc. are also called “dead languages” (at least in my tongue) for some reason, I think. Language is a living and ever changing thing. If you look far enough backwards, you might even realise that many of your precious native term might have come from a, back then, foreign source!
I nevertheless would like to share your wish to stand up against the cultural degradation of ones language, but in a slightly different way. For better understanding: If an artist lets paint drop from atop on an blanc canvas, names it, for example “a rainbow pouring down” and sells it for more money, then I earn in a living, then that might be art, if — and only if — he does it, whilst being fully capable of reproducing da Vincis Mona Lisa or Kandinskys blue rider. Meaning, the artist has to know and understand and be able to produce art, requiring highly refined skills. Then, and only they, droplets of paint on an otherwise empty canvas might count as art (in my book). It is the same with language and literature, I think. One need to be firm in ones language. Then, I think it alright or even something to welcome, if foreign phrases or “incorrect used” language is used and literature with such even produced. For language, in my understanding is something living,which grows, and changes, as the culture, society, the people changes as well … over the decades.
…
Question: Please share the last book that impressed you.
Educated, by Tara Westover