Gustave Flaubert: 'Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.'

Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.

The quote by Gustave Flaubert, "Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live," is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that reading can have on our lives. At first glance, it seems to promote a different approach to reading, one that goes beyond mere entertainment or acquiring knowledge. It suggests that reading should be seen as a means of truly living, as a way to experience and understand the world around us on a deeper level.In its straightforward interpretation, this quote urges us to engage with books in a way that goes beyond superficial entertainment or the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Reading becomes an invitation to immerse ourselves in stories, ideas, and perspectives that can broaden our horizons, challenge our assumptions, and ignite our imagination. It encourages us to read not just for the sake of passing time or acquiring information, but to truly live through the stories we encounter.However, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to enrich our understanding of this quote: existentialism. This philosophical school of thought explores the meaning of human existence and emphasizes the individual's responsibility to make choices that give their life purpose and significance. When applied to the act of reading, existentialist thinkers would argue that the quote goes even deeper than initially perceived.Existentialism encourages us to reassess our motives behind reading. Does reading simply serve as an escape from reality, a way to distract ourselves from the complexities of life? Or does it become a means to explore our own existence and find meaning within the stories we encounter? From this lens, reading becomes a transformative experience that can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.In contrast, reading solely for amusement or instruction may offer temporary satisfaction or factual knowledge but fails to engage us at a deeper level. The ambition to acquire knowledge becomes overshadowed by the transformative power of reading to help us discover who we truly are and ponder the meaning of our own lives.Through literature, we can encounter characters grappling with existential questions, facing moral dilemmas, and searching for their place in the world. We can explore different perspectives and walk in the shoes of others, gaining empathy and understanding along the way. This act of empathetic reading aligns with the existentialist belief that we are responsible for creating meaning in our own lives and connecting with others on a deeply human level.By reading to truly live, we elevate the act of reading from a mere pastime or intellectual pursuit – it becomes a journey of self-discovery, perspective-shifting, and personal growth. It is through the stories we encounter that we learn to navigate the complexities of our existence, make sense of our emotions, and find connections that allow us to flourish as individuals.Ultimately, Flaubert's quote serves as a compelling reminder that reading should be approached with intentionality and a sense of purpose. It challenges us to go beyond the surface level, seeking not only entertainment or knowledge but a genuine connection to the stories and insights that can enrich our lives. As we embark on this meaningful reading journey, we open ourselves to new perspectives, experiences, and the profound potential to truly live through the power of words.