Latin is Cool

Did you know that the Latin word "liber" means both "free" and "book"? They are pronounced slightly differently ("lih-bear" for book; "lee-bear" for free). Despite the pronunciation difference, I can't get past the idea that the identical spelling is no coincidence.

In ancient times, free men were educated men. They received a classical, or "liberal" education. Being educated meant, among other things, that you could read a book. There is a freedom, a liber-ty, in being able to pick up a book and learn.

Today I hear about people reading in order to escape troubled circumstances in life. Libraries (see the "liber" there?) invite children to step into new worlds through reading. Poor, underprivileged students can "hit the books," work hard, and better their lives. These are all types of freedom.

In order to maintain freedom, a people must not neglect education. Books are portals to new realms, and education unlocks the doors. If children don't learn to read, they will inevitably be uneducated as adults, burdened with quite a handicap. But what about kids who learn to read, but don't learn to love to read? It's disturbing when people admit they never take time to read books. Freedom is linked to education.

Consider, also, the 1,000+ pages long bills rushed through the legislature which many members of Congress don't read entirely before voting on. The bills aren't read, and our freedom is chipped away.

The Romans were no dummies. The Latin words for "free" and "book" are intimately related, and we should take note of that today. Turn off the TV for a while, and pick up a book.