Essay on Pleasures of Reading Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.
Reading gives unique pleasure. The pleasures of reading are many. They differ from reader to reader. Sober and intellectual people prefer reading history books, philosophical treatises or books of serious nature. To an emotional reader, books of drama, poetry, travel, fiction and essays give great delight. While many others like to read stories, jokes, comics, detective material and such other books. But there cannot be any doubt that the pleasure of reading is the best. One can spend ones leisure in other pleasure pursuits as well, but reading has no equal. Reading has so many additional advantages which no other hobby or leisure time pursuit can give. The ability to read and relish books is really a boon. Reading provides delight, experience, entertainment and skills in various fields of life.
According to Francis Bacon, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested, that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with deligence and attention. Some books also may be read by depth and extract made of them by others”. Again he says, “Reading makes a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”. Bacon has write on all aspects of study and reading of various subjects. He further says, “Histories make men wise; poetry witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend”
To get pleasure out of reading, one has to cultivate the habit of reading. Reading requires intelligence, quick comprehension, patience, love of solitude and certain language skills. One might be well educated, but it does not mean that one can surely drive pleasure from. reading or that one can engage himself in reading. It needs a special aptitude, but it can be easily acquired and developed. Unfortunately most of the students read for getting through the examination only. They read neither for pleasure, nor for culture and knowledge. It is really a matter of pity that modern young men and women waste their time in playing-cards, viewing films, television programmes or in gossiping for relaxation and pleasure. Books are really a treasure-house of pleasure, knowledge, experience, intellectual food and refreshment. They are the best friends, which would never leave you in the lurch. You can read a book at your pleasure and convenience, in a corner of your room, in bed, while travelling, while taking tea and breakfast. One can read in the libraries, classrooms, waiting halls at airports, railway and bus stations. The relief, relaxation, refreshment and mental food provided by reading is matchless. The experience gained through reading ever stands in good stead with the reader.
Modern age is the age of information. We can keep our-selves well informed about various topics and things by reading books, magazines, newspapers, bulletins, etc. There are books of fiction, stories, biographies, travels, adventures, philosophies, histories, phantasm, poetry, drama, one act plays, humor, etc. There is no end to the variety reading and books offer us. You can choose any topic and subject to suit your aptitude, leisure, duration, pocket and occasion. While travelling you can enjoy a fiction, a collection of short stories, poems, a magazine or a newspaper. Before going to bed one can again enjoy some light and instructive reading. Most of the light type of reading does not demand any appreciable mental application and exercise on the part of a reader.
Most of the novels, short stories, magazines come under this category. Besides giving pleasure, they enrich our experience, knowledge, broaden our outlook and stimulate thinking. Moreover, it is not a costly hobby. You can borrow books from friends and libraries. You can buy books according to your pocket. Cheap and second hand books can also be bought to our great advantage. The money spent on books is really a sound investment. For reading you do not depend on others, as you would do if you play cards, chess, football, etc.
Books are called the life-blood of master spirits. We can become intimate with Shakespeare, Kalidas, Tulsidas, Prem Chand and Rabindra Nath Tagore by reading their works. Thus, we can share their experiences, joys, sorrows, emotion, thoughts and feelings. Books can move us to tears both of delight and sorrow. There is a complete identity between a reader and the characters of a novel, story or a play. The magic and charm of reading defies description. Through reading we establish bonds of close relationship with various authors. Their creations, etc., which is far more intimate and last in a then that of an intimate friend. The pleasures of reading can be recreated time and again. It can be imparted to others. Reading is a sure protection against boredom, loneliness, pain, suffering, frustration and various complexes. In the words of Thomas Carlyle, “All that mankind has done, thought, gained, or been; it is Lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books. They are the chosen possession of men.” To a cultivated and educated person, books provide the finest of pleasures. But we must choose our reading material with care and caution. There are many cheap and substandard books which can poison young minds and mislead them on paths undesirable. In the selection of books you can consult your teachers, elders, librarians, etc. Then there are book-reviews to guide you to better reading materials. Avoid cheap, sensational, sexy, obscene and trash reading material. We must be judicious in our reading. We should gradually make our own small library of choicest books. Books which can encourage, inspire, guide and entertain should be treasured.
