When it comes to Chinese books, it is unwise to criticize materialism blindly, just as it is unwise to praise it blindly without understanding. Therefore, I believe it is best to start with some fundamental books so as not to be misled by irresponsible commentators.
We should recognize that reading is a strenuous labor. It is arduous because every book records the experience and wisdom of predecessors, and through reading, we receive this wealth through mental activity, and further create new wealth for humanity. — Cao Fang
Scholars generally tend to be broad in knowledge but lack depth. Skimming many books is not as good as mastering one. Once there is extra capacity, one can read various other works and still grasp their essence. — Huang Tingjian
I believe it is better to read older books, such as Han Fu, Tang poetry, Song lyrics, and Yuan plays, which is beneficial for writing. For editors and journalists, to have a good foundation, one must read extensively. — Bing Xin
Dogma can be acquired through reading, but higher necessary cultivation—namely, world knowledge—can only be attained by people who read and learn from all kinds of printed works. — Chesterfield
I love reading, but I do not seek a profound understanding; whenever I encounter something new, I joyfully forget to eat. — Tao Yuanming
In my spare time and leisure, I often read their writings and feel a sense of melancholy. — Tao Qian
One must read books seriously and pay attention to the historical context of the time to truly understand the basic viewpoints. One must deeply understand the actual situation, master real and rich materials, and master the ability to combine theoretical views with practical realities. In other words, one must develop the habit of analyzing problems under the guidance of Marxist theory. — Li Ruihuan
Successful scientists are often people of broad interests; their originality comes from their erudition. A new book is like a ship that carries us from narrow places to the infinitely vast ocean of life. — Keller
The wisdom of the wise is an extraordinary common sense. — Ralph
Strive to recognize all the words in the world, and aim to read all the books in the world. — Su Dongpo
I searched for peace everywhere but found it nowhere; it was only when I was alone reading a small book that I found peace. — Thomas
To love reading is to turn boring moments into joyful ones. — Montesquieu
To digest a single page well is better than to skim through a book in haste. — British Proverb
