Arthur Reade was a prominent British labour movement activist known for his diverse political affiliations, which spanned from Trotskyism to the National Labour Organisation. Born in 1902, he became an influential figure in the early 20th century, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. His political journey reflected the complexities of the labour movement during a time of significant social change in Britain. Reade's activism was characterized by his commitment to socialist principles, and he played a crucial role in various labour organizations, contributing to the discourse around workers' rights and political representation. Reade's legacy is marked by his ability to navigate the shifting political landscape of his time, engaging with different ideologies while remaining steadfast in his dedication to improving the lives of working people. His work not only influenced contemporary labour movements but also left a lasting impact on future generations of activists. Through his writings and organizational efforts, Reade helped shape the conversation around socialism and labour rights in Britain, making him a notable figure in the history of British political activism.
“At the temple there is a poem called "Loss" carved into the stone. It has three words, but the poet has scratched them out. You cannot read loss, only feel it.””
“When we read, another person thinks for us: we merely repeat his mental process. In learning to write, the pupil goes over with his pen what the teacher has outlined in pencil: so in reading; the greater part of the work of thought is already done for us. This is why it relieves us to take up a book after being occupied with our own thoughts. And in reading, the mind is, in fact, only the playground of another’s thoughts. So it comes about that if anyone spends almost the whole day in reading, and by way of relaxation devotes the intervals to some thoughtless pastime, he gradually loses the capacity for thinking; just as the man who always rides, at last forgets how to walk. This is the case with many learned persons: they have read themselves stupid.””
“The art of reading is a very important one. It consists in not taking an interest in whatever may be engaging the attention of the general public at any particular time. When some political or ecclesiastical pamphlet, or novel, or poem is making a great commotion, you should remember that he who writes for fools always finds a large public. A precondition for reading good books is not reading bad ones: for life is short.””