A friend of mine, having been actively involved inthe arena of love for some time, finally becameweary of it and, containing himself, quietly retired tohis study to spend time with books all day long.
He was no longer heard sighing deeply. On the contrary, he now had a peaceful mind andfelt everything was bright and clear and the world wide and open.
It is very dangerous to let somebody be master of your sentiments, such as joy, anger,pleasure and sorrow. For example, you are elated simply because the other party lookscheerful, you are jumpy simply because the other party looks put out. Consequently, you arecompletely at the mercy of the other party as regards your own mood. Is it worth it?
As to books, things are entirely different.
It is much easier to choose a book than a friend. One who is poor at speech and shunssocializing will nevertheless feel like being surrounded by friends while sauntering freely in themidst of books.
Some books are to be read cursorily, and some are to be chewed and digested. None willever call you fickle-minded, and none will ever demand that you be constant in your affection.You can go from one book to another. And you can read your favorite book over and overagain. When you lay aside the book you dislike, none will ever feel hurt or disappointed. Whileinterpersonal relations are most complicated, what about your relations with books? Devoteyour time to studies, and you will be able to acquire any knowledge no matter how profoundit is.
While being confined to your small room with a book in your hand, your mind will beroaming throughout the world. You will not only have a heart-to-heart chat with Laozi andZhuangzi, but also converse with Plato. When you are in a mood, Keats and Shelley willwhisper to you soothingly, and Balzac will stage for you stories from his La Comedie Humaine.And a galaxy of talented friends like Li Bai, Du Fu, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare…will come to youat your call.
If you are lonely, why not seek the company of books?