After leaving school or university we step into the wide world to acquire what academics call ‘cultural background.’ This simply means that we should know something of the wisdom of the world.
In other words, we have to know what people had done in the past and what they are doing now. For this purpose we should have an acceptable standard of education to read newspapers, magazines and books. Only by reading them we come to know what politicians do in Parliament and professors teach in universities. Reading will also widen our interest in music, art, dance, films and sculpture. What is more, reading will prepare us to appreciate beautiful things in the world.
One man’s life experience is not sufficient to understand what is happening in the world. It is only through reading that we learn how others face difficulties and deal with life’s mounting problems. For this we have to read short stories, poems and novels. They are not meant to be read when we get weary of life. They teach us life lessons. A wide knowledge of others’ experiences, real or imaginary, will help you to solve your own problems.
If you are interested in the affairs of the world, you have to read newspapers. Since the price of newspapers has gone up, some people are unable to buy them daily. In order to reap the benefits, you have to read at least the weekend newspapers. Sometimes even those who can afford to buy newspapers do not buy them. They think that they can get the latest news on their mobile phones, television, FM radio or the computer. It is true that they bring us the latest news, but in order to read an analytical report you have to read a newspaper. As far as in-depth news is concerned, electronic media is a poor substitute.
Seven decades
I started reading newspapers at the age of 12. Since then I have been reading newspapers for seven decades. There are many others who belong to this category. If you want to keep abreast of what is happening in the world, you have to read newspapers regularly. Unfortunately modern-day children and women do not read newspapers. They are more interested in tabloids that offer what they want. In the good old days we had to read the day’s editorial and discuss it in the classroom. Today editorials are read by only eight percent of readers.
Before the advent of television, we loved to listen to the radio. We never missed the fascinating radio plays such as Muwan Pelessa. In the past the radio was a cultural miracle. In villages people used to gather at village councils to listen to the radio as it was a luxury item. By listening to the radio we learned the art of appreciating human values.
Reading books will enrich your mind. However, buying books today has become a problem because of the spiralling cost. There are of course a few readers who do not mind spending a huge sum in buying their favourite books. They know that it is an investment in knowledge. If you are unable to buy books, join a public library. Those who can afford to buy at least one book a month can be proud owners of private libraries in a few years. Former President J.R. Jayewardene had a well-stocked private library when he was residing at Ward Place, Colombo. I have been to many other private libraries which had adorned the owners’ houses.
Rare books
Another way of acquiring books is to patronise secondhand book sellers. Most of them have a large collection of rare books on a wide range of subjects. Their book prices are relatively low. Sometimes they allow you to take away the books and return on payment of a small sum of money. Secondhand booksellers have a thriving business in Colombo and the suburbs.
Apart from reading newspapers, magazines and books, there are other ways of fostering culture. After reading drama and film reviews in newspapers, you should go and see them. Some years ago going to the theatre or cinema was a part of our lives. With the mounting cost of admission fees, only a very few people patronise the theatre and cinema.
Life is not complete without some form of entertainment. In developed countries people go to see operas and listen to orchestras. They also visit art exhibitions. When you do so, you are invariably continuing your education and becoming a cultured person.
Interesting hobbies
In the not so distant past we had so many interesting hobbies such as stamp collecting and corresponding with local and foreign pen-friends. Unfortunately, pen-friend columns have disappeared from newspapers. Even writing and exchanging letters has become a thing of the past due to many reasons. Those who belong to the older generation improved their writing skills by corresponding with pen-friends. Today young people have given up such simple pleasures due to technological advancement. Mobile phones, laptops and numerous other electronic gadgets have changed our lives.
Our cultural values have been eroded by modern thinking. Young people are running a rat race to get highly-paid jobs and acquire sophisticated electronic items. They do not know that they are living in a cultural desert. This can be judged by the low number of students offering English literature for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination. Most government schools have no teachers to teach English literature. Some leading private schools hire retired teachers to teach English literature. Both students and policymakers have failed to understand the value of teaching English literature.
Emerson, the celebrated American essayist, divided books into ‘the literature of power’ and ‘the literature of knowledge.’ Some books provide inspiration or power while others provide information. The books that inspire and inform us invariably entertain us.
In fact literature is meant for inspiration, information and entertainment. Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’ is a book that inspires the reader. Green’s ‘Short History of England’ is full of information. On the other hand, novels provide quality entertainment.
We are on the threshold of a technological revolution, but technology is not everything. In order to lead a meaningful life we need to foster our cultural background. We need more cultured people in responsible positions.
