Reading makes a full man

                                          Reading makes a full man

 

                                                          By Lee Hyon-soo

 

“Reading maketh a full man.” This quote is attributed to Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who was an English philosopher, statesman and science pioneer. By reading, one is able to fill the mind with knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. So reading makes a “full man,” that is, a man whose mind is richly stored with knowledge. 

 

I did not do much reading in my formative years. Come to think of it, it was not entirely my fault. All the schools that I attended in Seoul emphasized learning by rote and did not encourage students to read books other than textbooks. I was seldom given reading assignments. Besides, I was activity-oriented in school and always seemed to have more important things to do than reading.

 

Today, however, I can claim without qualms that I am an avid reader. Why did I set out to read books earnestly in my late 20s? It was not because I suddenly decided to become a “full man.” My motive was rather simple. When I embarked on a career as an international banker after graduation from college, I immediately realized that my command of English was far from adequate. In order to build my English vocabulary and familiarize myself with diverse English expressions, I chose to do lots of reading in English. I got off to a shaky start, but with each book finished, the going got easier.

 

I read one English book after another with avidity. And when I eventually reached — many years and countless books later — the point where I did not have to read any more merely for the sake of improving my English language skills, I began to enjoy what I was reading. That was a turning point. From that point onward I kept on reading because I liked to read. In the process, I got hooked on reading, and reading became my favorite pastime.

 

I started off with easy-to-read English novels. With sufficient experience gained, I subsequently moved on to more serious English novels as well as English versions of works by renowned non-English novelists. I also did some catching-up by reading classics which I ought to have read in my youth. I have read all genres of novels in which fascinating stories unfold, while at the same time providing a profound insight into human nature.  

 

After having cultivated an ability to read in English with ease, I delved into such serious disciplines as history, philosophy, religion and art, thereby benefiting from the great minds of the past and the present. Not only has reading enlightened me, but it also has improved my critical thinking skills. I believe that reading has made me what I am – in large measure.

 

What’s more, reading is my way of relaxing. When I am stressed out, I take refuge in reading. And I always come out refreshed.

 

While I worked to earn a living, the amount of time I was able to set aside for leisure reading was only a couple of hours per day. As I am retired now, I can read all day long without any interruption. 

 

I really enjoy burying myself in books. However, my otherwise understanding wife does not approve of my indulgence and complains that I am a bore. To defend myself, I cite the Francis Bacon quote, although I am not sure whether I have indeed become a “full man.”

 

Note:  This article appeared in the August 25, 2022 issue of The Korea Times.