Hints on Reading by J. T. Stone

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 28, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 25.

Hints on Reading

By J. T. Stone

BETTER let the soul of a few good books enter into you than to become an encyclopedia of facts or an authority on literature. If the latter, men will look upon you as a book of ready reference; if the former, you will be trusted and loved as one who incarnates life's best things.

The test of a book's worth is our desire to return to it and reread it.

Read to assimilate and appropriate rather than simply to quote.

Quotation can never substitute for eloquence, any more than the pianola or phonograph can substitute for the human touch or voice.

When a book helps you, pass it on. Give others the benefit of your reading.

Do not read a book simply because it is advertised. Know something of its worth first. Let others do the experimenting.

Do not think it necessary to know something about every modern novel. To be such a connoisseur is a good evidence of superficial intelligence.—Rev. J. T. Stone, in C. E. World.