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giving away your books
genkaku
Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
Not long ago, I took some books to a small donation center at the dump. If there had been no such donation site, I probably would have thrown them in the trash. Several days before that, I gave away the bulk of my 'spiritual' books -- most of them the writings of old Zen masters, koan collections and the like. Today, an article I wrote about getting rid of books appeared in the local paper. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but offer the url in place of making my arguments all over again. Color me lazy: http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/06/15/unburdening-himself-of-books
How do you feel about books in general and/or spiritual-life books in particular? Could you lose them all without feeling the lash of loss? Do you love them? Do they define you? What's your take on books?
How do you feel about books in general and/or spiritual-life books in particular? Could you lose them all without feeling the lash of loss? Do you love them? Do they define you? What's your take on books?
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Comments
I have passed on novels, text books, magazines, etc. I also know a used book broker who offers some great swaps. I'm cautious about passing on spiritual material. If I know someone who is sincerely interested, I pass the books on to them. If the spiritual material doesn't pass muster or is questionable in content- I throw it away so that I don't cause others to be lead astray.
I'm a big fan of books. Some folks don't know what they're missing. There is so much wisdom that can be found in the classical works. Reading helps improve language use and vocabulary. Well written stories can spark one's imagination. I can't say enough about GOOD books. There's a lot of junk out there, too. Formula books- blah.
Love books, especially classics, BUT: I'm sick of lugging them around (remember the George Carlin bit about "stuff"?). I love the smell of books. The older and mustier, the better. I prefer hardbacks, "great" writers, but will tolerate mediocrity if the subject's important. BUT: When you read a lot or too much you get a better and better picture of how little you've read compared to ALL the books EVER!--and that there are more direct ways of knowing. :buck:
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@BuckyG Perhaps there is a time when being stupid isn't all that bad?
I love George Carlin's riffs. If I had to guess, I'd say he was a very well-read man.
Have you ever read Moon Palace by Paul Auster? :buck:
books. i love books. my concern is losing my vision, which it a great possibility as i have lost site in one eye. what would i do without books? i ask myself. how would i care for myself? another.
i have several bookcases but few buddhist books. i normally give books to the library or to the unitarian church if they are spiritual and i don't want them anymore, and there if i do want them, i can always go to their library and get them to read again.