John Ruskin opens his essay by apologizing
for the ambiguity in the title. He says
that the title is ambiguous and figurative in nature. By king’s treasuries, he means the best books
written by the most brilliant authors and not other material things. The whole of the lecture is about books and
the way to read them.
He says that modern education is
materialistic and it aims at advancement.
This aim is narrow. The speaker
says that love of praise and reputation moves humankind primarily. On the other hand, duty moves them
secondarily. He says that clever persons
wish to become high in status. To
achieve higher status we should have sincere and good friends.
Best books are said to be best
friends. He divides books into four
types:
i)
Good
books of the hour – has enlightened talks of some persons. They could talk about travels or in the form
of novels.
ii)
Good
books for all life
iii)
Bad
books of the hour
iv)
Bad
books for all life
Great authors, statesmen, philosophers
and thinkers write books for all life.
Nobody can enter into these unless they stoop. We must enter into the thoughts of such
writers, which is a difficult task. They
write long sentences and serious thoughts are hidden in those sentences. So we should read them carefully.
An educated man need not know all
things but he must learn a few languages.
He must be aware of words and its origins. English language is of a mongrel breed. Their words are deceptive. For example the word condemn originates from
the Greek word “damno”. It does not have
the power of the Greek word in it. A
good scholar must know the vital meanings of words. Ruskin asks the readers to read Max Muller’s
“The Science of Languages” to understand English language better.
Later Ruskin analyses Milton’s Lycidas. He considers Milton as a great scholar. Common minds are full of filth and
prejudice. It should be cleansed. It is necessary to burn the jungle of bad
ideas than to sow the fertile ground among thorns.
The real gift of great writers is that
they kindle passion in us. Passions are
good things but they must be tested and disciplined. In England, passion means low-headed crimes. Ruskin attacks English people. They are under the control of passion. English people spend a lot of money and time
in horse and not in books.
English people despise science. There are very few utilitarian inventions in
England when compared with other countries.
English arts are far behind other countries. English people destroy nature and create
racecourse. English economics is also
very poor. There is wide gap between the
rich and the poor. The churches and the
cathedrals are also current in England.
Ruskin concluded his lecture by saying
that a nation rich in literature would be the best in the world. A king must be sympathetic to his people and
he should encourage people to read more books.
