ARTS / CULTURE & LEISURE
My experience of embarking on life’s journey with books
Black words on white pages
Editor's Note:
"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn
Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.
The Harry Potter series widened my imaginary world, and Wonder enriched my mental life. When I was a child, reading books by leafing through the pages created an ambiance of peace for me to cool down from restlessness, both externally and internally, and at the same time, helped me brave the increasing complexity of life on the path of my growth.
As John Dewey said, "Reading is an adventure, such as exploring new roads, such as expropriating new soil."
Dewey was a super important scholar in education and philosophy.
Born in 1859, Dewey believed that learning should be hands-on and connected to real life.
He thought schools should be more about doing and experiencing, not just memorizing stuff. His ideas really changed how we think about teaching and learning today.
Besides reading about Dewey's theories, I also became interested in Gorky's statement that "Every book is a soul printed in black on white paper."
I think this says that every book is like a piece of someone's heart and mind. When authors write, they pour their thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the words. So, when we read, it's like we're getting a glimpse into their soul. It's not just random words on a page - it's their ideas, their dreams, and even their struggles.
When you read a book, you are kind of having a conversation with the author, even if they're not there. That's why books feel so personal and powerful.
They're not just paper and ink; they're alive with someone's story. Pretty amazing, right? So next time you pick up a book, remember, you're holding a piece of someone's soul!
When I was struggling with whether to choose right or wrong in daily life, Forrest Gump played the part. The epilogue was clearly printed on the last page of the book in black letters: "I've been trying to do the right thing - and dreams are just dreams, aren't they?
So whatever else has happened, I am figuring this: I can always look back and say, at least I didn't lead a humdrum life."
What is more, when difficult problems tested my limits, it suddenly seemed brighter to ponder and solve them after recalling Tara Westover's experience in the book of Educated.
In the book, she describes how she broke free from a family background without formal education, and through self-study, eventually gained admission to a famed university. Her story is filled with a thirst for knowledge and an indomitable spirit.
The words on the page pop up in my mind and form a vivid picture, which has truly been a mighty motivation for me during my life and has guided me to reach higher and make a difference, for me and for others.
Reading these books not only gives me insights into life but also makes me realize how important physical books are to people.
When it comes to the phenomenon of discarding paper books, it would be regrettable to say goodbye to the simplest ink and sheets, which not only can scientifically ignite our imagination, but also empirically provide us with a sensory and indispensable experience as well as a feeling of nostalgia.
Admittedly, the tendency toward e-book popularization is inevitable, but please keep in mind that there are still incalculable characters and stories waiting within the black words on white pages, ready to help you when it's time to seek assistance or find a tranquil place to rest your soul to keep clear of the hustle and bustle of life and move on.
The author is a student at Peking Academy High School
"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn
Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected.
Photo: IC
Ink gives out the aroma of conscience and tenderness, and the weight of a sheet of paper props up your understanding of the author. The irresistible charm of reading books has been capturing my heart for as long as I can remember.The Harry Potter series widened my imaginary world, and Wonder enriched my mental life. When I was a child, reading books by leafing through the pages created an ambiance of peace for me to cool down from restlessness, both externally and internally, and at the same time, helped me brave the increasing complexity of life on the path of my growth.
As John Dewey said, "Reading is an adventure, such as exploring new roads, such as expropriating new soil."
Dewey was a super important scholar in education and philosophy.
Born in 1859, Dewey believed that learning should be hands-on and connected to real life.
He thought schools should be more about doing and experiencing, not just memorizing stuff. His ideas really changed how we think about teaching and learning today.
Besides reading about Dewey's theories, I also became interested in Gorky's statement that "Every book is a soul printed in black on white paper."
I think this says that every book is like a piece of someone's heart and mind. When authors write, they pour their thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the words. So, when we read, it's like we're getting a glimpse into their soul. It's not just random words on a page - it's their ideas, their dreams, and even their struggles.
When you read a book, you are kind of having a conversation with the author, even if they're not there. That's why books feel so personal and powerful.
They're not just paper and ink; they're alive with someone's story. Pretty amazing, right? So next time you pick up a book, remember, you're holding a piece of someone's soul!
When I was struggling with whether to choose right or wrong in daily life, Forrest Gump played the part. The epilogue was clearly printed on the last page of the book in black letters: "I've been trying to do the right thing - and dreams are just dreams, aren't they?
So whatever else has happened, I am figuring this: I can always look back and say, at least I didn't lead a humdrum life."
What is more, when difficult problems tested my limits, it suddenly seemed brighter to ponder and solve them after recalling Tara Westover's experience in the book of Educated.
In the book, she describes how she broke free from a family background without formal education, and through self-study, eventually gained admission to a famed university. Her story is filled with a thirst for knowledge and an indomitable spirit.
The words on the page pop up in my mind and form a vivid picture, which has truly been a mighty motivation for me during my life and has guided me to reach higher and make a difference, for me and for others.
Reading these books not only gives me insights into life but also makes me realize how important physical books are to people.
When it comes to the phenomenon of discarding paper books, it would be regrettable to say goodbye to the simplest ink and sheets, which not only can scientifically ignite our imagination, but also empirically provide us with a sensory and indispensable experience as well as a feeling of nostalgia.
Admittedly, the tendency toward e-book popularization is inevitable, but please keep in mind that there are still incalculable characters and stories waiting within the black words on white pages, ready to help you when it's time to seek assistance or find a tranquil place to rest your soul to keep clear of the hustle and bustle of life and move on.
The author is a student at Peking Academy High School
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