Books possess the essence of immortality. They are by far the most lasting products of human effort. The universe can be damaged, temples and statues decay, but books survive. Time is of no account with great thoughts, which are as fresh today as when they first passed through their author's minds ages ago. What was then said a thought still speaks to us as vividly as ever from the printed page. The only effect of tie is that it has picked out the dregs of literature, for only excellent literary works which are really good could survive the time. Those outstanding great people would never perish from the world because their souls have been kept in books and spread widely abroad. Therefore, we are still under the perpetual influence of the great people of the past, as if they are still living with us as they were before.