My Passion for Reading and its Contribution to My Personal Growth

My passion for extensive and penetrative reading has unequivocally confirmed the truth of a statement once made by the 18th century French Philosopher, Dennis Digerot, “Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.” My soul, not merely my intellect, has indeed been elevated to greatness!

I began cultivating a reading culture at the age of four, in my Nursery-school days because I appreciated the teachings of my parents and teachers regarding the treasures hidden in the reading culture. Thus I read whatever I could find that caught my fancy.

But reading whatever caught my fancy soon gave way to a discriminatory reading habit, because against the moral sense of decency and progressiveness which I owe to my upbringing, I weighed and sifted every idea I came upon.

My selection of books soon narrowed to national newspapers, academic literature, poetry and dramatic literature as well as works of political and academic critics.

Customarily, I read these selections not as means to an end but as a matter of personal interest in the ideas and information they offered. For instance, I did not read academic books merely to pass my exams but tried to unearth the eye-opening ideas they contained, the sophistication to which they drew attention, and the refinement in mind and in character they recommended.

Today, I have a celebrated sense of intellectual discrimination; I know my rights from my wrongs; I have a discerning sense of beauty and appreciation in matters of morals, fashion, arts and literature; I have a mind independent enough to have an uninfluenced say in nearly any matter. I feel my intellect and my soul unfold to the academic and spiritual promise of their individuality!