some people like to buy books to read, other people like to borrow books from libraries or from other people. which do you prefer ?
i like reading books. i not only buy books but also borrow books from, libraries and from, other people. over the years, this has become a habit. this habit of mine is built upon the famous saying "some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."
every time i go to the bookstore, i will buy some books like dictionaries, reference books which are of pragmatic use and classical literary works which are to be chewed and digested. unlike some people who buy books just for the purpose of filling their shelves and showing others how learned they are, my purpose is simple and practical――reading. moreover, the books i want to keep are usually too expensive and i can afford only a few volumes.
from libraries i borrow books that are to be swallowed, because, on the one hand, library books are not allowed to keep a long time; and on the other hand, the library is a sea of books and i think i have to do speed reading, that is, to swallow as many as i can.
i also borrow books from friends, especially new arrivals. i just want to have a taste. if the taste is good, theni will go and buy then, to add to my store. if not, well, just for a taste.
in short, i don't mind where i can get books, but books are always my source of knowledge and wisdom.