Since ancient times, reading has been regarded as an important way to acquire knowledge and improve wisdom. However, with the development of technology and the advancement of society, people have different views on the value of reading. Some people believe that in modern society, information is spread rapidly, network resources are abundant, and reading is no longer the only knowledgeOthers, on the other hand, believe that reading remains an important pillar of human spiritual growth. So, is it useful to read a book?This article will conduct an in-depth study of this issue from a historical perspective and in combination with specific historical documents.
First, we need to be clear about what "useful" is. Here, we define "useful" as an act or thing that improves one's qualities, broadens one's horizons, and promotes social progress. From this point of view, reading is undoubtedly useful. From ancient times to the present, reading has been regarded as an important form of education, both in the East and in the West. In ancient China, Confucianism emphasized "erudition, inquiry, prudence, discernment, and practice", believing that by reading classical literature, people could cultivate themselves and govern the country and level the world. In ancient Greece, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle also emphasized the importance of reading, believing that through reading philosophical works, people could understand the world and explore the truth. From a historical point of view, reading plays an important role in the improvement of personal quality. Taking ancient China as an example, the imperial examination system was the main way to select, and the content of the imperial examination was mainly based on the Confucian classics. Therefore, reading has become an important means for ancient scholars to pursue fame and realize the value of life. In this context, reading is seen not only as an obligation, but also as an honor. In order to gain fame, many scholars did not hesitate to devote their lives to studying the scriptures. This dedication and love for reading has made the cultural heritage of ancient China increasingly rich, and many outstanding cultural talents have emerged.
In addition to the improvement of personal quality, reading also has the effect of broadening horizons and promoting social progress. Historically, many great thinkers, scientists, and writers have formed their own unique insights and innovative thinking by reading widely and absorbing all kinds of knowledge. In Renaissance Europe, for example, there was a renewed focus on the cultural traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, with a large number of translations and dissemination of classical literature. In this process, many European scholars gradually formed humanist ideas through the study and Xi of classical culture, which laid the foundation for the later Enlightenment. Similarly, during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, with the gradual increase in communication with the outside world, many scholars began to pay attention to Western scientific, technological and cultural ideas, and translated a large number of foreign books. The dissemination of these books has had a profound impact on the development of modern China's science and technology, culture, education and other fields. Of course, we can't ignore the challenges of reading books in modern society. With the popularization and development of the Internet, the way people access information has changed dramatically. The abundance and diversity of online resources make it possible for people to access news, knowledge, and opinions from around the world anytime, anywhere. In this case, traditional paper books no longer seem to be able to meet people's needs. However, this does not mean that reading books has lost its value. In fact, although the Internet provides convenient access to information, there are also many problems, such as information overload and the proliferation of false information. In contrast, paper books have high authority and reliability, which can help people systematically learn Xi knowledge and develop thinking skills. In addition, reading paper books also helps in developing patience and concentration, which are very important qualities for people in modern society.
To sum up, from a historical point of view, reading is undoubtedly useful. It not only improves personal qualities, broadens horizons, and promotes social progress, but also cultivates patience and concentration. Although reading faces many challenges in modern society, this does not mean that reading has lost its value. On the contrary, we should cherish the meaning of reading more and strive to inherit and carry forward this excellent cultural tradition.