“Don’t read to be big, read to be down to earth. Don’t read to be smart, read to be wise. Don’t read to memorize, read to realize. Don’t read to just learn, read to sometimes unlearn. Don’t read a lot, read just enough to keep yourself curious and hungry, to learn more, to keep getting younger as you grow older.” – Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
This is by far the most profound quote I have ever discovered about reading… I too, am a firm believer in reading. This message simply reaffirms my belief in the importance of reading not for the sake of reading, but the acquisition of knowledge for the sake of wisdom. Many people today seem to be obsessed with trying to read everything… There aren’t enough hours in our lifetime to read all of the books being written today, let alone all the great classics from the past. However, we can read all of the very best books in a specific area or field of study to increase our understanding and knowledge of our chosen area of interest.
If we will focus on reading with purpose and intent, we will also garner the greatest benefit from the books we do actually read. One of the very best places to begin when deciding to make reading an important part of your daily routine, is with a book called surprisingly enough: “How to read a book” by Mortimer J. Adler. Who knew there was book about how to read a book? Jim Rohn knew, that’s who! I learned of this book from Jim while attending my first personal development seminar many, many, years ago…
Charlie “Tremendous” Jones was a self-made, self-taught, walking, writing, reading, speaking, anomaly. His book “Life is Tremendous” has sold more than 2 Million copies and was printed in 12 languages. He literally created his own legacy through the countless lives he touched with his constant encouragement to read, and the thousands of presentations he delivered in his lifetime. Charlie thought everything and everybody was tremendous. He used the word to describe thoughts, feelings, people, and their actions. The word became his moniker. He truly was “Tremendous.”
Author: Bobby Kountz
Bobby Kountz is a former Oncology Nurse, a seasoned Oncology Sales Professional, and Personal Development Enthusiast. He is also an Inspirational Writer, Professional Speaker, Personal Development and Career Transition Coach, Dedicated Community Volunteer, Social Equality Activist, Mental Health Activist, and Loving Father and Husband.
