It depends on the book

ACCORDING to your own editorial (December 7) “A Book is for Life — the Power of Ideas”, reading can be both “enriching and empowering”. True, but it all depends on the books.

You mention too that “ideas change worlds”. True, but alas not always for the better, again, it depends on the ideas.

Lord Palmerston, the 19th century British prime minister insightfully observed that opinions are stronger than armies.

But the more informed opinions are the better. As Thomas Davis said: “Educate that you may be free.”

Anthony Baumwell

St Patricks Road

Dublin 9