The Hon. HAROLD NICOLSON , C.M.G.: ' Reading as a Means of Self-Education '
MR. HAROLD NICOLSON , having described in some detail the essentials of the modern spirit in literature, returns to reading in general and its uses. It is important not to confuse reading and study : ' study ' gives learning, while reading aims at culture. Culture is an attitude of mind: it is the constant exploitation of curiosity. General and ill-directed reading may produce a certain kind of culture, but it does not create education ; that requires disciplined planning. Mr. Nicolson gives some suggestions on how to educate oneself. ' A little knowledge is a dangerous thing'; it is far better to know everything about something than something about everything. Elasticity of mind and judgment is preferable to a mass of ill-digested knowledge. And in any case it is easier to acquire a point of view than a classical education.