I'm Not a Bibliophile
A bibliophile is a great lover and collector of books. The world is full of such--and the Reformed community likely makes up a sizable portion of that population--but I must confess that I am not one of them.
Bibliophiles are always posting their reading lists, favorite books, or books they'd like to read. I have never understood the fascination with publishing such things. Why would you want others to know that information?
Rushdoony would always publish the list and titles of the books read in a given year, but that was so that his supporters would know he wasn't slouching. He also published the yearly amount of books and articles written and speeches given. There was no boasting on his part. He was responsible to those underwriting his labor.
I read a lot, but I'm no lover of books. Bibliophiles talk of getting lost in their reading, but I often can't wait to get done with a volume. I'm actually after information, and books just happen to be where a great deal of it resides. If I don't turn the pages, I can't get the info. That doesn't mean I enjoy the process.
I certainly respect those who love to read. I just thought I might take the opportunity to confess my lack thereof. What I do love is vision, a plan, and action. If it requires reading to get something significant accomplished, then you can bet I'll be reading. But, the thought of being secluded in a corner of the library makes we want to nap, not read. It also kills my back to sit that long with a book.
I guess I would say I'm more of a lover of people. It's always been my contention that people are the world's greatest treasure, and doing things that keep me away from the community of humanity is detrimental in my opinion. I'm with Solomon on this one:
Bibliophiles are always posting their reading lists, favorite books, or books they'd like to read. I have never understood the fascination with publishing such things. Why would you want others to know that information?
Rushdoony would always publish the list and titles of the books read in a given year, but that was so that his supporters would know he wasn't slouching. He also published the yearly amount of books and articles written and speeches given. There was no boasting on his part. He was responsible to those underwriting his labor.
I read a lot, but I'm no lover of books. Bibliophiles talk of getting lost in their reading, but I often can't wait to get done with a volume. I'm actually after information, and books just happen to be where a great deal of it resides. If I don't turn the pages, I can't get the info. That doesn't mean I enjoy the process.
I certainly respect those who love to read. I just thought I might take the opportunity to confess my lack thereof. What I do love is vision, a plan, and action. If it requires reading to get something significant accomplished, then you can bet I'll be reading. But, the thought of being secluded in a corner of the library makes we want to nap, not read. It also kills my back to sit that long with a book.
I guess I would say I'm more of a lover of people. It's always been my contention that people are the world's greatest treasure, and doing things that keep me away from the community of humanity is detrimental in my opinion. I'm with Solomon on this one:
Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Eccl. 12:12I'm also with Solomon on the concept that life and labor is to be enjoyed:
Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. Eccl. 2:24There is no end to the writing and printing of books. And there is no end to the study of any subject. You could go your entire life believing a certain doctrine and find out in the end that you were wrong. What then do you make of all your study? This was the dilemma that Solomon understood. His conclusion? Make sure you sprinkle your life with a healthy dose of parties, cookouts, holidays, vacations, and special events. This way, when you realize your doctrines were not so precise, you can say, "Well, at least I had a good time, and I knew a lot of great people."
