"Ne lisez pas comme des enfants pour vous amuser, ni comme les ambitieux dans le but de vous instruire Non lisez pour vivre"

This quote's essence is all about the profound purpose of reading. It's suggesting that reading shouldn't just be a leisure activity, like it often is for children, nor should it solely be a means to gain knowledge for ambition's sake. Instead, it proposes that reading should be a way to experience life more fully, to immerse oneself in the world and gain insights that go beyond mere amusement or instruction.

Historically, this idea can be linked to the 19th-century French writer Gustave Flaubert, who believed in the deep power of literature to transform lives. Flaubert was a realist, someone who strived to depict life honestly and believed that literature was a critical way to connect with the human experience. His works were not just stories; they were reflections on life, society, and the human condition.

Imagine this in a real-life scenario: think about a person who reads just to pass the time. They pick up a book, enjoy the plot, and then move on to the next one without much thought. Then there's someone else who reads "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This person doesn't just flip through the pages. They dive deep into the themes of racism, injustice, and moral growth. They reflect on the lessons of empathy and integrity that Atticus Finch teaches his children. For this reader, the book isn't just a story—it's a lens through which they see the world differently. They might find themselves acting more thoughtfully and standing up against injustice in their own life because of the impact of the book.

Now, how do you apply this kind of wisdom? Start by choosing books that challenge you, not just entertain you. Look for stories and authors that offer new perspectives, that push you to think beyond your comfort zone. When you read, don’t just passively consume the words—engage with them. Ask yourself questions about the characters, the plot, and the underlying messages. Reflect on how the themes relate to your own life experiences and the world around you.

Let's say you're reading a novel about a character dealing with loss. Instead of just following the plotline, think about how the character's journey mirrors any losses you've experienced. How did the character cope? What did they learn? Can you apply any of that to your own life? This kind of reading—reading to live—allows you to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective, which can be incredibly powerful and transformative.

Think of a scenario: You're at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend about a book you've read. Instead of just saying, "It was a good story," you dive into how the main character’s struggle with identity made you reflect on your own search for self. Your friend listens, nods, and shares their own thoughts about how a different book changed their perspective on love. This kind of conversation isn't just about the books themselves—it's about how those books have woven themselves into the fabric of your lives, changing how you see the world and interact with it.

So next time you pick up a book, don’t just read it for fun or to learn something new. Read it to live. Dive in, get lost, and let the words change you.