26 Jul A THOUSAND LIVES
Santa Fe resident, George R.R. Martin wrote the novel A Song of Fire which was adapted into the TV series Game of Thrones. Martin had a tough childhood. He wanted to travel, but his dad’s longshoreman’s salary wouldn’t support it. So young George read and read and read. He later graduated summa cum laude and earned an MS degree from Northwestern.
Reading doesn’t top the latest “what’s cool” charts. But look into the personal history of leading luminaries in astrophysics, law and music; you’ll find readers. In our humble opinion, Kindles and iPads are handy for travel, but nothing beats a real book. Descartes said, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” If you are surrounded by close-minded people, escape into brilliance and be uplifted. One of our favorites is Bill Bryson for a healthy dose of history, scholarship and humor.
The advantage of reading is that it enhances your critical acumen, your perception of the world, spelling, and grammar. All are building blocks of great speaking. You’ll have more vocabulary choices, quotes, opens and closes, stories and more. After a journey through Einstein’s mind, you’ll be smarter. Reading about Doug and Susie Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard will lift your spirits and give you hope. And peruse Paul Theroux for adventures to exotic locales. Your choices are endless. Read on, and on, and on.
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