WHY SHOULD WE READ?
Why does one read books? To instruct oneself, amuse oneself, train one’s mind, etc. etc. – Certainly all this and much more. Ultimately it is to understand life with its thousand facets and to learn how to live life. Our individual experiences are so narrow and limited, if we were to rely on them alone, we would also remain narrow and limited.

But books give us the experiences and thoughts of innumerable others, often the wisest of their generation, and lift us out of our narrow ruts. Gradually as we go up the mountain sides, fresh vistas come into view, our vision extends further and further, and a sense of proportion comes to us. We are not overwhelmed by our petty and often transient loves and hates, and we see them for what they are – petty and hardly noticeable ripples on the immense ocean of life.

For all of us, it is worthwhile to develop this larger vision for it enables us to see life whole and to live it well. But for those who cherish the thought of rising above the common herd of unthinking humanity and playing a brave part in life’s journey, this vision and sense of proportion are essential to keep us on the right path and steady us when storms and heavy winds bear down on us.

—Jawaharlal Nehru