A man may usually be known by the books he reads as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it is of books or of men.
A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the most patient and cheerful companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness, amusing and instructing us in youth, and comforting and consoling us in age.
There is an old proverb, “Love me, love my dog.” But there is more wisdom in this: “Love me, love my book.” The book is a truer and higher bond of union. Men can think, feel, and sympathize with each other through their favorite author. They live in him together, and he in them. The best books are treasuries of good words, the golden thoughts, which, remembered and cherished, become our constant companions and comforters.
Books possess an essence of immortality. They are by far the most lasting products of human effort. Temples and statues decay, but books survive. Time is of no account with great thoughts, which are as fresh today as when they first passed through their author’s minds, ages ago. What was then said and thought still speaks to us as vividly as ever from the printed page. The only effect of time has been to sift out the bad products, for nothing in literature can long survive but what is really good.
Books introduce us into the best society; they bring us into the presence of the greatest minds that have ever lived. We hear what they said and did; we see them as if they were really alive; we sympathize with them, enjoy with them and grieve with them. The great and good do not die, even in this world. Embalmed in books, people’s spirits walk abroad. The book is a living voice. It is an intellect to which one still listens.
【小题1】According to the author, what is the difference between our books and our friends?| A．Books remain patient and cheerful for a longer time. |
| B．Books provide comfort in old age, unlike our friends. |
| C．Friends can sometimes disappoint us, similar to our books. |
| D．Books reflect a person’s character more than their friends do. |
| A．To prove the value of time. | B．To highlight the longevity of books. |
| C．To show people’s preference for literature. | D．To emphasize the importance of ancient architecture. |
| A．Become a wise man by reading. |
| B．Read as many classic books as we can. |
| C．Cherish the company of our books just like our friends. |
| D．Sympathize with your friends through your favorite author. |
| A．Companionship of Books | B．Long Live Books |
| C．Our Best friends | D．Love Me, Love My Book |
