Companionship of Books以書為伴

By Samuel Smiles

A man may usually be known by the books he reads as well as by the company he keeps; for there is a companionship of books as well as of men; and one should always live in the best company, whether it be of books or of men.

通常看一個人可知道他的為人,以及所閱讀的書物以類聚,因為有一個人為伴,也有人以書為伴,朋友,我們都應該以最好的陪伴,無論是書友還是的人。

A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the same today that it always was, and it will never change. It is the most patient and cheerful of companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness; amusing and instructing us in youth, and comforting and consoling us in age.

一本好書就像是一個最好的朋友。它始終不渝,過去如此,現在仍然如此,永遠不會改變。它是最有耐心、最令人愉快的伴侶。它不背棄我們臨到我們身處逆境,還是痛苦。它友善款待我們﹐始終如一很有趣,也教導我們,在青年時死亡、與慰解我們的年齡。

Men often discover their affinity to each other by the mutual love they have for a book just as two persons sometimes discover a friend by the admiration which both entertain for a third. There is an old proverb, ‘Love me, love my dog.” But there is more wisdom in this:” Love me, love my book.” The book is a truer and higher bond of union. Men can think, feel, and sympathize with each other through their favorite author. They live in him together, and he in them.

男人經常發現彼此之間親密無間的相互愛為一本書正如兩個人有時發現朋友共同仰慕另外一人而為娛樂的三分之一。古諺說:“愛我,也愛我的狗。”但有更多的智慧在這個:“愛我,愛我的書。”這本書是真實和高雅的聯系紐帶。人們能思考、感覺和彼此同情通過他們最喜愛的作家。他們住在他里面、他也住在一起。