Why do you read then?'Partly for pleasure, because it's a habit and I'm just as uncomfortable if I don't read as if I don't smoke, and partly to know myself. When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me; I've got out of the book all that's any use to me and I can't get anything more if I read it a dozen times. ...
The quote reflects the author's perspective on reading as a multifaceted experience. It reveals that reading serves not only as a pleasurable endeavor but also as a habitual activity that feels necessary, much like smoking. The act of reading allows individuals to explore and understand themselves better, suggesting that literature can unveil personal insights and resonate deeply with one's own life experiences.
Furthermore, the author emphasizes that certain phrases or passages can hold significant meaning, enriching their identity and perspective. This process of extracting valuable lessons from a book implies that true understanding is about the connection and resonance one finds within the text, rather than simply consuming more content. Once those personal insights are gained, repeated readings do not necessarily yield new revelations.
