The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it

Host: The room feels quiet, with the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light across the space. Outside, the world is calm, and the evening stillness invites reflection. Jeeny sits on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, a cup of tea resting in her hands. Jack, standing near the window, watches the darkened world outside, lost in thought. The peaceful atmosphere sets the stage for a conversation about reading, learning, and the profound impact books can have on our lives.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across a quote from Elizabeth Hardwick today that really struck me,” she says softly. “She said, ‘The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I love that. She’s saying that reading is more than just a hobby — it’s a tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and understanding the world. It’s cheap, in the sense that it’s accessible to so many people, and it has this incredible power to offer comfort and excitement all at once. The idea of it being a ‘moral illumination’ is interesting too. Reading opens up new perspectives and helps us see things differently, which can be a form of enlightenment.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Reading is so much more than just entertainment; it’s an experience. It allows us to explore different lives, different places, and different ideas. The act of reading helps us develop empathy, expand our knowledge, and understand the world around us. It’s an accessible way to grow intellectually and emotionally. The fact that it consoles and excites, that it’s both a form of distraction and a source of knowledge, makes it a tool that we can always rely on.”

Host: The light in the room seems to soften, as if their conversation is delving into the deeper impact that books can have on our lives. Jeeny speaks with an understanding that reading is not just a way to pass time, but a way to engage with the world and ourselves on a profound level. Jack stands still, reflecting on how books have the power to transform us, not just by providing facts, but by shaping our perspectives and broadening our emotional range.

Jack: “What stands out to me is that she’s describing reading as a way to experience life, not just in a passive way, but actively. It’s like when you read, you’re not just absorbing information, you’re living through the stories, the characters, and the emotions. It’s a form of immersion into different worlds, which ultimately helps you better understand your own. And it’s also a tool for personal illumination, in that it challenges your thinking and opens your mind to new possibilities.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it’s like reading doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us. We can experience the world in ways we couldn’t otherwise, and in the process, we get to reflect on ourselves, our beliefs, and our values. Hardwick is spot on when she says it’s a ‘moral illumination.’ Books have the power to shift our moral and ethical perspectives, helping us understand what is right, just, or humane. They offer a window into the human experience that is both humbling and empowering.”

Host: The conversation deepens as they reflect on how reading is not just a pastime, but a transformative experience. Jeeny and Jack both agree that the true gift of reading lies in its ability to open doors to new worlds, to challenge us, and to help us grow both intellectually and emotionally. Elizabeth Hardwick’s words remind them that books are not only sources of knowledge, but also catalysts for personal and moral transformation.

Jack: “It’s interesting that she calls reading ‘cheap’ — not in a negative sense, but in the sense that it’s something so widely accessible. The greatest gift doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. A book can be something you find in a library, something you can share, and still have this incredible power to change you. It’s one of the most democratic gifts we have.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it’s so accessible. And what’s incredible is that reading can take you anywhere, without ever having to leave your space. Whether it’s a novel, an essay, or a historical account, books offer endless experiences. And that makes it such an invaluable gift — one that is timeless and limitless. It’s a tool that can be relied upon for growth, whether you’re looking for comfort or for challenge.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, the weight of their conversation settling into something deeper. Jeeny and Jack sit together, reflecting on the profound impact of reading on personal development and moral growth. Elizabeth Hardwick’s words remind them that the greatest gift of reading is not just the acquisition of knowledge, but the transformation it offers — helping us understand the world, gain wisdom, and ultimately become better versions of ourselves. Reading, in its many forms, is not just a hobby; it’s a gateway to illumination.