Jeff Hadden describes a small encounter with his college European history professor that changed his life.
A taste:
"I like history," I said to Dr. Riley, "but I can't get through
history books. Can you recommend a few that are maybe a little more
reader-friendly?" (Yep, I was quite the intellectual.)
Fortunately, he took no offense and recommended books such as Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels and Paul Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory.
And I remembered why I liked to read.
He also gave me great advice. "Remember," he said, "you're reading
for pleasure. If you pick up a book and don't like it, put it down.
Never read what you think you should read. Never feel inadequate if you
don't like what you're 'supposed' to like. Reading is personal. Yours is
the only opinion that matters."
While I certainly can't draw a straight line from here to there--I
took a 20-year detour in manufacturing--Dr. Riley is a major reason I'm
now a writer. Without him, I'm not sure I would have found a love for
great books and great writing.
And the conclusion:
Whatever you are today is largely due to the words and actions of
other people. Most of those moments were, at the time, small and
seemingly inconsequential. Only when you look back can you connect the
dots.
That also means you never know when your words or actions
might make an impact on someone else. A little encouragement, a little
acceptance, a little praise...small actions that are insignificant to
you but possibly life changing for another person.
Dr. Riley didn't know what my future might hold. Like all great
teachers--and great people--he didn't care. He simply took the time to
listen and encourage, and without knowing made a big difference in my
life.
A nice reminder about why we do what we do.
1 comment:
Wonderful advice! In the end, reading should be something enjoyed, not just endured. Still, once in a while it doesn't hurt to try one of the "shoulds", they're like vegetables when we're kids, you may not always enjoy them at first, but they may just grow on you. Most Great Books come by their reputations honestly.
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