Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wizzer who wrote (1254)	5/7/1998 5:35:00 AM
From: Jack Clarke	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 4711

Wissam, That is the component of reading that so many people need to experience. I agree completely with your assessment of the pleasures of reading. It's a shame that so few of our young people have experienced it. Cinema and TV can be wonderful experiences as well, but literature is a different art form. Jack

To: Wizzer who wrote (1254)	5/7/1998 11:05:00 AM
From: jbe	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4711

Wisam, nice essay on the joys of literature! I would, however, expand (or modify) your point about literature as a "chain" of "links," each one of which "creates a strength in vocabulary, and a growing appreciation and love of English." . How about a love of language in general, not just specifically a love of English? People often ask me how I got into the Russian field professionally. Well, it all began when I was 12 years old, and read "War and Peace" for the first time. Of course, I skipped the "war" and read just the "peace," fell madly in love with Prince Andrei (and could never forgive Natasha for marrying fat Pierre), and from there it was all uphill -- from Tolstoy, to Dostoyevsky, to Chekhov, & etc. It was the most thrilling excursion I had ever been on! Of course, at first I read all these works only in English translation; I can say they are even better in the original. Literature, I conclude, sensitizes one (among other things) to language -- all language. jbe