Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-02-12
Henry Ward Beecher on Readinp.

To the question: What shall we readp
1t is impossible to return a ver- definite
answer. 1t depends upon what things are
within your reach-on your health, vour
education, your occupation. To keen nm
with the worlds current events every one
should read one or more good newsna-
pers. A good family journal, if within
reach, should be carefully read. History.
biography, and travels should of course
be a part of every ones reading. But in
this article we do not so much wish to
point out the classes of works to be read
as to make some suggestions as to
method
Every man should strive to own GOOD.
full dictionary, good general atlas, az,
encyclopedia, and a good gazetteer. These
should be Osoned, if possible, at once; 9TH
erwise, let one save money by every
means, and procure them as fast as posi-.
bic. If one has fair wages, and has the
courage to live within his means, and to
save every month, then let him run in
debt for them.
A good debt is often like an anchor, and
holds an honest man steady. 1t will help
an honest man to save, if he has right be-
fore his eyes in the end to be gained, and
much money will be thus invested which
might otherwise run down ones throat, or
be fooled away in trivial sums. But these
books are foundation books, and ought to
be within reach. To borrow them is much
like borrowing candle, a teacup, or a
bed. They are things which every man
should haye as near. to him as a mechanic
has his tools.
Now, with this stock in trade, come
some suggestions about reading. Never
read anything without going over it after
ward IN your mind, to see if you can state
to yourself the substance of what you have
read. 1t would be well, when it can De
done, to repeat to some one the informa.
ton which you obtain 1t will tend to fix
attention while reading, will prevent that
smooth, dreamy way of sliding over sub
jects with a vague, general impression
only.
Never suffer a word to pass, the mean
ing Of which is not clear to you No mat
ter how often you have to pause, go right
to the dictionary, and find out the history
of the word. Do not ask your neighbor.
By looking it up yourself your attention
will be specially directed to it, so that
you will not be likely to forget it. In this
way ones vocabulary will be increased
with wonderful rapidity. A word once
conquered becomes ever after your faith
full servant
Donot pass by name or a place with
out finding out about it in your gazetteer
or biographical dictionary-which, by
and by, should be added to the list of fun
damental books. Go to the atlas for every
geographical fact. Read with your map
open when you are upon historical sub
jects. Associate your knowledge with
the Typography of the country to which it
belongs.
Do not spare trouble Do not be too
lazy to take down your feet, and stretch
out your arm for the book of reference.
After short experience Of such thorough
reading ones self respect will be increased
and hewill experience so much pleasure in
this course that he will need no eXhOrta-
ton.
Often plain men, who read to themselves,
are very faulty in their pronunciation.
Therefore, as much as you can, read
aloud, and go to your dictionary and ga2-
etteer whenever new, doubtful, or diff
cult word comes before you.