Essay on Books

    Books are of different types. Some of them are useful and delightful while others are not. The exact value of books is greatly related to their content and purpose. 

     Francis Bacon, a famous English essayist, classifies books into three categories in his formal essay “Of studies”: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested.” In other words, some books should be read in parts; others hastily, without much concentration and attention; and some few thoroughly and steadily.

    In essence, books are used as a source of knowledge and information; they are also used as a source of pleasure and amusement. As a source of knowledge, books are considered valuable stores and treasures of information, wisdom and moral advice, for they widen the horizon of the reader’s thoughts, deepen the meaning of his life and enrich his experience. By reading a useful book in the field of history or science, for instance, one can learn a lot about past generations and live with the most honest people of past centuries. In fact, a valuable book is to the mind as nourishing food is to the body. As a source of delight, there is no companion like a good book, specially when one feels lonely and sad. One can drive evil thoughts, anxiety and boredom out of one’s mind by reading an entertaining book. This certainly relates to the positive side of books.

    As regards the negative side, there are books that are very dangerous to read, for they poison the reader’s thoughts and spoil his character. Examples of such books are those on crimes, violence and immoral or indecent behavior. Books of this category are a waste of time, specially to our children; they may instill evil thoughts in their minds and, subsequently, affect their behavior adversely. Consequently, parents should be very careful and cautious when selecting books for their children.

    In conclusion, books, if well selected, can be regarded not only as faithful friends but also as unfathomable wells of knowledge. Although they cannot control the length of our lives, they, undoubtedly, can control their width and depth, thus rendering them more meaningful and enjoyable.

Essay on Happiness

     All  people struggle in their lives for the attainment of a single cause, namely happiness. Happiness is defined in Webster's dictionary as the state of well-being and satisfaction. Out of this definition, which seems to be too general and comprehensive, people tend to offer their own interpretations. Some people believe that happiness exists wherever there is money. Others disagree, maintaining the view that the supreme and ultimate source of happiness lies in the prosperity and glory of one's country where the citizen can live happily and freely. A third group of people holds the view that true happiness lies in the acquirement of knowledge, high diplomas and social positions. As for me, I believe that true happiness exists in the power of extracting it from common things. To support my point of view, the following example may be considered a good case in point.

      Once there lived on the banks of the River Dee a miller who was the happiest man in England. He was always singing as he worked all day long in his mill. His cheerfulness made everybody cheerful.  People talked about him so much so that the king himself heard about him and decided to visit him. This visit the king wanted to pay to the miller in order to discover the secret of his joy and happiness. As the king stepped inside the dusty mill, he heard the miller singing,

"I envy no-body, no, not I!

For I am as happy as I can be;

And no-body envies me."

      When the king asked the miller about his cheerfulness, the latter answered, "I earn my own bread; I love my wife and my children; I love my friends and they love me; and I owe not a penny to any man. Why should I not be happy?" Thus, the dusty mill brought happiness to the miller, while the golden crown brought trouble to the king.

      All in all, what is happiness for one person may not be so for another. One spends his life running after wealth; another seeks glory; and a third one runs after knowledge and social positions. To the first, happiness is wealth; to the second, glory; and to the third, position. However, I believe that none of these three people is really happy. They all still complain, at one time or another, of the heavy burdens of life although they possess what they want. Does this mean that happiness is a mirage or a daydream never to come true? Undoubtedly, happiness does exist, and it knocks at every door, saying to man, "Here I am, at your service, sir. Just relax, and find me inside you."

      In conclusion, it is inside that happiness dwells. Happiness can be extracted from the simplest and commonest things in life. One finds it if he does his work honestly driven by a noble motive. One finds it when he opens his heart to people in sincerity, love and trust, as well as when he proves to be dependable, responsible, conscientious and cooperative. Then jealousy, hatred, dishonesty and all other bad traits that poison one's life will disappear, and will give way to happiness that dwells there in peace.