The Importance of Reading Old Books

One of the things things that I enjoy and value is consuming good books. There is so much wisdom and knowledge to be gained that is contained within the pages of the great works published throughout history.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that anyone who does not, will not, or cannot read is at a huge disadvantage as they are limited to information that they know or are told. Their ability to gain information beyond themselves are their immediate circle of influences is significantly limited.

Many ideas that seemed quite fashionable in their day have since been repudiated and now are considered shameful philosophies that are discussed as relics of history. If you want a more modern example, just look to the recent COVID pandemic. So many of the ideas that were declared dogmatically true are already crumbling just a few years later.

Many new books have the philosophical effect of eating a chocolate chip cookie. They may taste good and satisfy us in the moment, but they bear little resemblance to something that is of good and true nutritional value.

This is not to say that there are not good books that are being published today. I have read a number of modern books that have had a huge impact on my life and thought. But as C.S. Lewis states, often times it takes an experience scholar to be able to sort through what is true or a value from all of the other superfluous books that are published. A book that has persisted over time has withstood the criticism that only time can bring. There is value in the filtration of content that longevity brings.

So as you as you think through your reading list - try to include not only just fluff books but also weighty books. Read books that have been recently published, and read books that were published long ago. You will find that rather than being antiquated tomes from yesteryear, the authors struggled with and discuss many topics that remain relevant, even today.

For a list of good books to read please see the Essential Bookshelf

References:

• C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock: On the Reading of Old Books