Book lovers: I’ve been gently but firmly chastised by Mortimer J. Adler‘s helpful little essay, How to Mark a Book. The assumption that we obviously should mark them, but the issue was how, caught my attention. Couple of excerpts:
There are two ways in which one can own a book. The first is the property right you establish by paying for it, just as you pay for clothes and furniture. But this act of purchase is only the prelude to possession. [...To illustrate,] You buy a beefsteak and transfer it from the butcher’s icebox to your own. But you do not own the beefsteak in the most important sense until you consume it and get it into your bloodstream. I am arguing that books, too, must be absorbed in your bloodstream to do you any good.
There are three kinds of book owners. The first has all the standard sets and best-sellers—unread, untouched. (This deluded individual owns wood-pulp and ink, not books.) The second has a great many books—a few of them read through, most of them dipped into, but all of them as clean and shiny as the day they were bought. (This person would probably like to make books his own, but is restrained by a false respect for their physical appearance.) The third has a few books or many—every one of them dog-eared and dilapidated, shaken and loosened by continual use, marked and scribbled in from front to back. (This man owns books.)
I have bought many books, but only own a few of them (I’m the second man above, but without “a great many books”). I’d recommend this little essay to anyone–and it’s just over 3 pages long, so check it out. [How does this Glorify God? Because in our reading--if we're reading good books about God and learning how to live for him, and gleaning insights from those who've gone before--we ought to do it with purpose, to actually make progress in our faith, and not just for bragging rights (as I have admittedly done).]
So…where’s my pencil?
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Aron,
That guy has a book, as well. The essay is probably from the book and I figured you knew this; I just thought I’d point it out for everyone else. I’d really like to read it. It’s called “How to Read a Book”, and Dr. Boyd here at TMC (one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever known of) has said that he thinks every college student should read the book. Anyway, good and convicting post! I would definitely be number 1 or 2 above… sad but true…
Hello Adam,
Yes, that book has been on my wish list for a while now. It’s a thick one, if I remember right. Also on the list is Hirsch’s Validity in Interpretation. So many books; so little time…
Thanks for dropping by my little corner of the blogosphere!
AG
Great reference to a great thinker! As a teacher of advanced reading skills, I’ve tried to teach people how to mark up their books. Unfortunately I usually get looks of horror when I first do this.
I used to feel the same way!
I’m currently doing an essay on the subject of communication based off How to Mark a Book pertaining to communication through reading and writing, i chose Adler out of 3 separate choices, he appealed to me. My friend tells me that his book 1984 is a good read, just thought i would say ;). I plan to pick it up myself soon, and as well i have found myself marking my book for the essay I’m working on. I was not much of a book marker before hand.