On reading in relation to literature

Name: On reading in relation to literature
Author: Lafcadio Hearn

By Lafcadio Hearn

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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

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.