And some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others. That would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books. Distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things. And it is equally true that, he never becomes a complete man who learns nothing of the former days from reading.
Good books are invaluable as a moral guard to a young man.
The culture of a taste for such reading keeps one quietly at home, and prevents a thirst for exciting recreations and debasing pleasure. It makes him scorn whatever is low, coarse, and vulgar. It prevents that weary and restless temper, which drives so many to the saloon if not the gambling table, to while away their leisure hours. Once form the habit of domestic reading, and you will at any time prefer an interesting book to frequenting the haunts of vice. Chief among the educational influences of a household are its books.