The Toronto Public Library (file under Temple of Books)

B.F. Skinner once said; “We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.”

Anyone that knows me knows that I have a profound love of books. All books. Kind of like music. Since I was a child I have read books at a rate that is probably ridiculous to most. But I find that I love the ability to learn at my own pace. To discover new and wonderful things on my terms. To lose myself in thoughts written on the page. I LOVE BOOKS! I have often had the thought about the Library at Alexandria – What did humanity lose there? It goes far beyond books.

This blog also stands as a testament to that truth. I have not counted the number of books that I have read in the last year but I am quite certain that food related books numbers around 100 while pleasure reading has dwindled and maybe accounts for about another fifty. I did reread about forty of the classics last year and must tell you that with the eyes of a man I looked at them quite differently. Maturity I guess they call it.

So today, on my way home I stopped at the Toronto Public Library which is close to my home. In relative terms anyway. I knew there would be a few books for me to pick up but was absolutely thrilled when I discovered that I had 16 books waiting for me. Most people would be daunted by such a large number of books, unopened, starring at them in a two dimensional mocking tone, BUT NOT ME. I get excited.

Books are the doorway to discovery. For me they represent a way to increase my knowledge in a short amount of time. As I believe that I am playing catch up with my contemporaries in the culinary world. That last statement may or may not be true. From an analytical/intellectual point of view I MAY (stressed out of respect) have a bigger picture grasp. Which is not to say that I am any better or worse. But from a technical/practical point of view I am playing catch up so I feel that as much book smarts as I can bring to the table is advantageous.

At any rate, I will plow through these books in the next week and you surely will read posts about them.

My fervent hope is that one of you (if not all) discovers something that makes you as passionate and excited about life as I have. And when you do know that the Toronto Public Library is a GREAT resource (thanks Carnegie). Carnegie once said; “It was from my own early experience that I decided there was no use to which money could be applied so productive of good to boys and girls who have good within them and ability and ambition to develop it as the founding of a public library.”

Henry David Thoreau once said; “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.”

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM