Overview of Chapter 

This chapter expresses Thoreau’s belief that reading classics are crucial to obtaining a solid education. Reading books by Ancient Greek authors such as Homer require a slow intesive type of reading which leads to a better developed brain unlike simpler books which don’t require much thought or understanding. It is even beneficial to only obtain and remember a few words when reading a classic rather than only reading “trashy” books that will not exercise your brain in any way. Not reading a book because it’s written in a way you don’t understand is like saying you’re not going to study history or nature because it is old. They are both necessary in maintaining intelligence.  As Thoreau said, “Real literature is the closest thing to life other than life itself and is crucial in bringing out a man’s true potential.”