art of not reading

is not taking a book into one's hand merely because it is interesting the great public at the time.

Hence, in regard to our subject, the art of not reading is highly important. This consist in not taking a book into one's hand merely because it is interesting the great public at the time-- such as political or religious pamphlets, novels, poetry, and the like, which make a noise and reach perhaps several editions in their first and last years of existence. Remember rather that the man who writes for fools always finds a large public: and only read for a limited and definite time exclusively the works of great minds, those who surpass other men of all times and countries, and whom the voice of fame points to as such. These alone really educate and instruct. (Schopenhauer: 'On reading': 3)

art of not reading, n.All

art of not reading