We are often taught to read more because it “works.” There is a famous saying in ancient times: “If you read thousands of volumes, you will be able to write like a god.” At the same time, “should reading be purposeful?” has also become a topic discussed by many people.
Not long ago, at the doctoral degree awarding ceremony of Harbin Institute of Technology in 2024, the president of the school sent a message to the graduates: “I hope that students, like Chinese landscape paintings, will ‘leave a little more white space’ in their lives and take time to read more ‘useless works'” “Books”. “Reading “useless books” is simply reading “idle books”.
How to distinguish between “idle” and “not idle” in a book? Why should we read more “idle books”? Last year, “Zhejiang Propaganda” briefly discussed related topics in “How to Accompany Books in This Life”. April 23rd is World Book Day. The spring breeze is warm in April, and it is the right time to read. We faced the spring breeze and continued to chat in depth.
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What do you understand by “useful books” and “useless books”?
In a narrow sense, “useful books” generally refer to books on skills, tools, and professions. After reading, they can bring immediate help to our study and work.
For example, for the student party, “useful books” are an effective way to acquire new knowledge. Such as “XX Exam Guide”, “XX Word Shorthand”, etc., which facilitate students to quickly obtain information and establish a more systematic knowledge system. For “workers”, “useful books” are important resources for improving professional skills and promoting career development. Such as “XX Software from Novice to Master” and “XX Ability Development Plan”, etc., which involve skill improvement, leadership training, time management, marketing, etc. Reading these books may be beneficial to improving work efficiency and solving problems encountered at work. questions and even opportunities for promotion.
“Idle books”, also known as “useless books”, are relative to “useful books” and usually refer to books that do not directly provide practical information, skill guidance or obvious educational value. Some people think that it mainly includes books related to literature, philosophy, history, art, sociology, etc.; others say that books that are irrelevant or irrelevant to one’s job and majors studied can be included in the category of “idle books”.
We often see that “useful books” have become the “constant generals” on major book sales lists and the “traffic password” of some reading bloggers, while “useless books” are not as “no one cares”. level, but most of them can be said to be “inaccessible”. Many people look at “useless books” from a secular perspective and have a mentality of “not admiring or rejecting them”.
This actually has logic to follow. In addition to the concept of “the usefulness of reading” that has always been buried in our minds, there is also a practical basis for not reading “leisure books” – living in a fast-paced and efficient society, most people cannot meditate in their free time. read. The author often hears friends around me say: “I am busy with work and rarely have a little free time. I can only spend time with my children and sleep in, so how can I have time to study?” Some people also think that we should maximize the benefits in the limited time. Therefore, reading and reading “useful books” are subconsciously equated.
The above ideas are all understandable. However, the author still wants to explore: Is “Xianshu” really “useless”?
Readers reading in the main library of Zhejiang University. Source: “Hangzhou Release” WeChat public account
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Zhuangzi said: “Use useless books to make great use.” Of course, those “useful books” with practical value must be read, but the enjoyment of reading cannot be achieved without the adjustment of “useless books”. If the role of books is considered over a longer time span, “useless books” are just as worthy of reading as “useful books”, and are even more suitable for repeated reading. Reading “idle books” can also be beneficial.
For example, cultivating the elegant “book spirit”.Someone summed it up this way: The so-called “bookishness” is an elegant style formed after reading poetry and books, and it is an external expression of a person’s spiritual outlook. Celebrities in history, such as Li Taibai, who is rich in knowledge, free and easy, and Wang Yangming, who is quick in thinking and precise in every word. Their temperament cannot be “quickly acquired” by reading a few reference books, but can be learned from these seemingly “useless books” “Under the long-term infiltration, all kinds of philistine and vulgar atmosphere have been dissipated, and the true, good and beautiful mind and quality have been cultivated. “Useless books” can cultivate one’s self, nourish one’s mind, entertain one’s mood, and increase one’s interest. They are not really “useless”.
For example, stimulate imagination and creativity.Imagination and creation do not come from unfounded fantasies. They mostly come from profound insights into the world and the collision of knowledge and wisdom. Science fiction novels can glimpse the shadow of the future, literary works can touch the depths of the soul, philosophical thinking can enlighten the light of wisdom, and art appreciation can cultivate the beauty of sentiment… The rich materials contained in the “Book of Uselessness” seem to be related to the life in front of us. It has nothing to do with work, but it actually provides us with endless inspiration.
For example, accumulate motivation and confidence for growth.“Xianshu” covers everything from grand narratives of space exploration to wonderful discoveries in the microscopic world. Each book has its own unique value. Some cross-field and cross-time reading intake is beneficial to individuals to expand their horizons and improve their thinking. When we go deep into the author and the text, carefully savor every detail, and deeply explore the thoughts and emotions, deep meaning and connection with reality behind it, we can become a new self in feeling and thinking, understanding and empathy. . Therefore, “idle books” are not idle, and “useless books” are of great use.
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So, how to read “Xianshu”?
Picking a book that arouses your interest is the first step to reading. Whether it is science fiction that travels through the stars, or fantasy that weaves dreams, or it is gripping suspense, or emotionally delicate romance, follow your love and hobbies and make reading a pleasant spiritual journey, so that it can be more enjoyable and meaningful significance.
The most ideal state is to read “idle books” in your free time. When you feel relaxed and stress-free, such as in a quiet afternoon, weekend, or before going to bed, choose a comfortable reading environment to better immerse yourself in the world of books. .
Although reading “idle books” does not require us to make a strict study plan, proper planning can make the reading journey more fulfilling. Set a small goal, such as reading a book within a week, or reading a few pages every day, to make reading a part of your daily life and a special ritual.
At the same time, you should maintain an inclusive and open mind during the reading process. You will find that some “idle books” often contain esoteric or unfamiliar concepts, and they may even contradict your existing views. If you have the courage to break through the inherent concepts and frameworks, accept new ideas and perspectives, and examine and consider with dialectical thinking, you may be able to obtain unexpected inspiration and gains.
Some people may read “idle books” in their spare time for pure entertainment and relaxation, some may want to explore unknown areas, and some may hope to find inspiration and answers to life through reading. Although they may not be immediately transformed into actual results, they will slowly take root in the depths of our hearts and eventually be reflected in our thinking and behavior.
In the spring breeze of April, let us pick up a “idle book” and find a suitable reading environment to relax ourselves, read and comprehend.
