WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
On reading in relation to literature cover

On reading in relation to literature

The author contends that most people do not truly know how to read, confusing mere decoding with attentive comprehension. He contrasts superficial amusement reading with disciplined study, arguing that significant works deserve the same critical attention as scientific texts. Habitual light reading used to pass time dulls higher faculties and prevents intellectual development. He attributes poor public taste and market fashions to a decline in literary style and to writers’ incentives to produce easy narratives. He urges cultivation of original judgment, taste, and the habit of seeking intellectual and emotional substance, including when reading in a foreign language.

By Lafcadio Hearn
Open in WeRead Explore More Books Like This
Essays, Letters & SpeechesTeaching & Education

About This Book

The author contends that most people do not truly know how to read, confusing mere decoding with attentive comprehension. He contrasts superficial amusement reading with disciplined study, arguing that significant works deserve the same critical attention as scientific texts. Habitual light reading used to pass time dulls higher faculties and prevents intellectual development. He attributes poor public taste and market fashions to a decline in literary style and to writers’ incentives to produce easy narratives. He urges cultivation of original judgment, taste, and the habit of seeking intellectual and emotional substance, including when reading in a foreign language.

About the Author

Hearn, Lafcadio portrait

Lafcadio Hearn

Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) was a writer and journalist known for his profound exploration of Japanese culture and folklore. Born in Greece and raised in Ireland, he later moved to the United States before settling in Japan, where he became a naturalized citizen. Hearn's works often reflect his fascination with the spiritual and mystical aspects of Japanese life. His notable books include "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan," which offers insights into the country's traditions and customs, and "In Ghostly Japan," a collection of essays on Japanese ghost stories and supernatural themes. Hearn's unique perspective has contributed significantly to the understanding of Japan in the West.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
"Gombo Zhèbes." Little Dictionary of Creole Proverbs cover "Gombo Zhèbes." Little Dictionary of Creole Proverbs by Lafcadio Hearn "Out of the East": Reveries and Studies in New Japan cover "Out of the East": Reveries and Studies in New Japan by Lafcadio Hearn Books and Habits, from the Lectures of Lafcadio Hearn cover Books and Habits, from the Lectures of Lafcadio Hearn by Lafcadio Hearn Chita: A Memory of Last Island cover Chita: A Memory of Last Island by Lafcadio Hearn Exotics and Retrospectives cover Exotics and Retrospectives by Lafcadio Hearn Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East cover Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Far East by Lafcadio Hearn

You May Also Like

6 picks
"'Tis Sixty Years Since" / Address of Charles Francis Adams; Founders' Day, January 16, 1913 cover "'Tis Sixty Years Since" / Address of Charles Francis Adams; Founders' Day, January 16, 1913 by Charles Francis Adams "... és a felelősségtől való rettegés" cover "... és a felelősségtől való rettegés" by Émile Faguet "A Most Unholy Trade," Being Letters on the Drama by Henry James cover "A Most Unholy Trade," Being Letters on the Drama by Henry James by Henry James "About My Father's Business": Work Amidst the Sick, the Sad, and the Sorrowing cover "About My Father's Business": Work Amidst the Sick, the Sad, and the Sorrowing by Thomas Archer "America for Americans!" / The Typical American, Thanksgiving Sermon cover "America for Americans!" / The Typical American, Thanksgiving Sermon by John Philip Newman "Bethink Yourselves!" cover "Bethink Yourselves!" by graf Leo Tolstoy