A cat has nine lives, so the aphorism goes, but I wish for more. For me, the way to it is by reading. I read where my curiosity leads me (which is almost everywhere): novels, poetry, popular science, science fiction, travelogues, books on art, books on nature and so forth. The only lament I have is that 24 hours a day is simply not enough.

This post recaps why books matter, a necessity in my opinion as a counterpoint to the media-obsessed world we are living in. The internet is a good thing in many ways, but books – books are timeless. They give us the opportunity to peek into some of the most prolific and interesting minds in history. What were they thinking? How did they perceive their world, how was this reflected in their writing? What wisdom do they leave for us?

Here are a few of my treasured quotes on reading, voiced by celebrated writers and scientists to remind us of the magic of the printed word and the precious privilege of being able to read.

Carl Sagan

A short but compelling clip of American astronomer and planetary scientist, Carl Sagan (1934-1996) describing books. Taken from the excellent television series ‘Cosmos’.

Harold Bloom

Harold Bloom (1930-2019) was an American literary critic and Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale, billed as the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world. He was also the author of more than 50 books, including several books discussing religion and one novel.

“Reading great books is essential for personal growth and understanding, as they offer a unique access to the human condition, providing a ‘pleasurable difficulty’ that enriches our inner lives by exposing us to complex characters, profound ideas, and diverse perspectives, ultimately allowing us to ‘augment the self’ through engagement with literary masterpieces.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), widely known simply as Scott Fitzgerald, was a key figure in modern American literature. His most famous book is The Great Gatsby, which I read twice and am still itching for a third reading.

“This is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”

Ursula K. Le Guinn

Ursula K. Le Guinn (1929-2016) was an American author, best-known for her works of science fiction. She has also been hailed by literary critics as a “major voice in American letters.”

“We are a wordy species. Words are the wings both intellect and imagination fly on. Music, dance, visual arts of all kinds – all are central to human development and well-being, and no art or skill is ever useless learning; but to train the mind to take off from immediate reality and return to it with new understanding and new strength, nothing quite equals poem and story.”

Listen

Harold Bloom, “How to Read and Why” (44 minutes)