To Read or Not to Read

In my youth I was compulsive about reading to the finish any book I started. If the author could go to the trouble to write it, the least I could do was plod to the last page no matter how tedious. I even looked down on abridged versions.

Then I read something that changed my thinking. I believe it was Caryll Houselander who wrote to the effect that with all the books in the world it is possible for an individual to read only a few. Each is a choice and should be worthwhile in some way because it means there will not be time for another.

Now, if I pick up a book that is poorly written, boring or offensive, I quietly put it aside with no guilt at all and move on to something more profitable.

It's true: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."