> The excitement of novel reading is akin to intoxication. When it subsides, it leaves the mind collapsed and imbecile, without the capacity or the inclination for active exertion. I question, whether the confessions of an opium-eater exhibit more striking evidences of the pernicious influence of that stimulating drug on the physical system, than the experience of an habitual novel reader can furnish of the injurious effects, produced on his mental organization by the constant perusal of works of fiction.
I feel a bit dense sussing out the relevance of this post to the content of the article. It seems apropos to the title, but the focus on novel-reading cuts orthogonally to the actual content.
[Full disclosure: driveby quoteposting with no extra content or contextualization is one of my most deeply felt pet peeves]
I'm the opposite, as I read a novel I am more inclined to jump up out of my seat and prance or pace around while acting out imaginings of myself in the novel.
> The excitement of novel reading is akin to intoxication. When it subsides, it leaves the mind collapsed and imbecile, without the capacity or the inclination for active exertion. I question, whether the confessions of an opium-eater exhibit more striking evidences of the pernicious influence of that stimulating drug on the physical system, than the experience of an habitual novel reader can furnish of the injurious effects, produced on his mental organization by the constant perusal of works of fiction.