This was said by Austin Phelps, an American Congregational minister, and I think it is a wise saying.
While there’s no doubt a lot of knowledge, wisdom and inspiration to be gained from a book, I think some readers read to avoid thinking for themselves. They will take whatever idea is presented in the latest book they’ve read, sometimes changing their opinion on important topics just to match the ideas presented there.
While I’m all for keeping an open mind and allowing myself to be swayed in my opinion on things if I believe there is good reason, I think it is also necessary that we all hold ideals that we have concluded after reading many different things, and neither hold simply to one without ever swaying no matter what argument is presented, nor allow ourselves to be swayed by every word and opinion we hear.
It is a difficult line to walk, though, but I think some people would prefer others to do their thinking for them.
No doubt this can often be true – though not just of reading. I see it with my fellow classmates who often accept the latest postmodern theory without question because this is what the lecturers are pushing. Books can perpetuate popular stereotypes or make the improbable appear everyday. On the other hands, good books can often challenge our long held assumptions and force us to think even if we don’t end up agreeing with the book’s premises.
Hmm… interesting.
I wonder too, if it is all too easy in this age of free, digital information, to find voices that echo what we want to hear, rather than new and sometimes challenging arguments on topics.
So instead of thinking through an issue or allowing ourselves to experience the crisis of belief that may be necessary for growth, we just chase down the bloggers and quotes that back our current position and feel comfortably justified to be unchanged.
(You’ve made me think, Lynne. Thanks.)
I know what you mean, too. I’ve found it to be the case throughout my life. It gets interesting when the theme and message of a book is the complete opposite to the last one read, and we are forced to think and decide.