Let’s give books as Valentine’s present instead of flowers

Lovers need to give books as gifts during Valentine’s instead of flowers.

For many years, we have stuck with the Western culture of giving our loved ones flowers. But as the saying goes, “change is like rest.” This time round, we can make a big change in our way of expressing love.

A book is the best gift a person can give to their loved ones compared to flowers. At one point flowers will wilt and lose meaning but the content of the book will last forever. Books motivate, enlighten, educate, entertain and invigorate our lives as well as our way of thinking.

In his book titled “Discovery brings recovery”, Ken Gomeri says that “if you want to hide something from a fool, put it in a book”. This clearly indicates that information is power, and it is only the wise that search for information through books.

I strongly concur with Egara Kabaji in his recent article when he states that “it is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds, in their most precious thoughts and pour their souls into ours... They give to all who will faithfully use them in the society, the spiritual presence of the best and greatest of our race.”

It is unfortunate that during Valentine’s Day, many people will be in haste to buy flowers while bookshops, the wealthiest sources of knowledge, will have few customers.

It’s a high time that we adopt a new style of investing in books and rendering them as souvenirs to our loved ones.

If we stop reading, we become illiterate in thoughts. American writer and futurist author Alvin Toffler said that “The illiterate of 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn”.

Let us not waste our resources in buying chocolate for our loved ones for chocolate will hasten tooth decay. Let us stop buying flowers for they will wilt the next day. Instead, let us spoil our loved ones with books for it is only through books that we will be informed, entertained, enlightened, motivated, inspired and encouraged. Books will unlock the great potential that we possess in our lives.

Prof Kabaji said in his article that “to be in lve is to be possessed by the spirit of goodness”. Let us all possess the spirit of goodness by showering our loved ones with books as gifts this Valentine’s.

Samuel C. Wangari

Valentine’s Day has been perceived differently by lovers.

Many have taken the day as one when gifts are given while others think it is meant for dating and having fun out there.

But there are pitfalls which should be avoided.

We need to avoid circumstances that may lead to abhorrent scenes thereby leading to break of marriages.

Courting couples too should use the day to strengthening their bonding by discussing their future plans.

 

Wambi Jonathan