Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 June 1887 — The Purpose of Reading. [ARTICLE]

The Purpose of Reading.

Every reader should know the purpose for which he reads. Usually this purpose is either rest, amusement, or what may be called improvement. A boy or girl, tired by work in the shop or house, takes up Hawthorne’s “Wonder Book,”—that is reading for rest. Fretted by low masks at school, one becomes absorbed in “Swiss Family Robinson - ’— that is reading for amusement. Eager to instruct the mind, you read Bancroft’s “History of the United States”— that is reading for improvement. The three purposes are frequently combined. One may find in reading Macaulay’s “Essay on Bacon,” rest, amusement, and improvement. Of these purposes that of improvement of mind and heart is most important. In all reading whose immediate aim is either recreation or pleasure, the (emote aim should be the formation of a noble character. No one should read a book without resolving to be aided by it Ip every right endeavor. The purpose for which one reads determines the choice of the book. If roti are in doubt what to read, form a plear idea of the reason of your reading, Shd the selection of a proper book Is made easy.— Morgantown Preu,