People who read are not alone.

 　　I don't play mahjong or poker, nor do I sing karaoke or dance. My greatest hobby is reading, so whether it's the sweltering summer or the freezing winter, I often go to the library alone to read. I'll pick a book I like from the shelf, like Dr. Barclay's *The Path of Fragrance* or Lung Ying-tai's *Watching You Go*. Then I'll find a spot by the window, sit on a large wooden chair, and enjoy the cool air conditioning while reading. Occasionally, I'll look up at the blooming flowers or the lush green lawn outside the window. Often, before I know it, it's noon, then dusk. A friend texted me asking: "You spend all day reading alone, without participating in any social activities. Aren't you lonely?"

　　I replied: "Have you ever heard of readers being lonely? Readers are never lonely, because they are surrounded by the fragrance of books and nourished by spiritual food. They are fulfilled and enriched; how could they be lonely?

　　Throughout history, those who love reading have never been lonely.

　　As the ancient proverb says: 'In books, you'll find beauty like jade; in books, you'll find houses of gold.'" If we interpret "Yan Ruyu" as a beautiful woman, then it can be seen as spiritual nourishment. In ancient times, "golden house" likely meant bringing fame and fortune to scholars. As an ordinary scholar, I naturally dare not expect so much. However, when I earnestly read the books I love, the works of my favorite authors and masters, I can indeed encounter many characters amidst the rich aroma of books. They are as real as the real world, yet more poetic and picturesque. I also come into contact with many thoughts—philosophical, psychological, calm, and radical—gradually broadening my horizons and expanding my knowledge through reading, keeping my thinking fresh, and offering a more multi-dimensional and profound perspective on problems and life.

　　People who love reading are bound to be positive and optimistic, because they can exchange and integrate different kinds of knowledge through reading, communicating with various minds, especially the minds of great figures, thereby elevating their own level. Because they are not alone, they are grateful for the world, cherish beauty, and yearn for it, thus avoiding pessimism and world-weariness.

　　Nowadays, people spend too little time reading. Some are busy all day at social gatherings and banquets, because many things can only be resolved at these gatherings, and they believe reading is useless. Many more have lost patience, succumbing to the typical modern mania. The fast food of the internet and movies has eroded their reading spirit. Forget about getting them to read; even if you put a book in front of them, they won't bother glancing at it. Yet, in times of hardship, they discover the emptiness and loneliness within. Because their hearts, though possessing the characteristics of life, are indeed empty and lifeless.

　　I've visited the homes of some high-ranking officials and the wealthy, their spacious, lavishly decorated studies filled with imposing, exquisite bookshelves overflowing with books—the Four Books and Five Classics, plays depicting the Ming Dynasty, and so on—all classic, hefty tomes. But without asking, these books are purely decorative, used for appearances. When fame and fortune reach a certain level, why use books to decorate one's image? It shows their hearts are empty and lonely.

　　Those who love reading can traverse history and the vastness of the world. Because of the continuity and coherence of knowledge, readers can live in any century, reside in any society, travel the world, and engage in dialogue and exchange with diverse ideas. This broadens their horizons, enriches their minds, and prevents them from being short-sighted and narrow-minded, failing to see the forest for the trees.

　　Amidst the struggles for fame and fortune, maintaining a pure inner world and frequently strolling along the paths of books naturally fills one's heart with the fragrance of flowers in every season.