This is something I wrote for my AP English Lit. and Comp. class in 11th grade. It's based off of Francis Bacon's "On Studies." I rather like how it turned out, although it seems to bend the truth a bit. Ah well. Tell me what you think?

In this day and age, many forms of communication and entertainment have come into existence and play a very large part of everyday life. Television, billboards, radios, websites; all of these are so commonplace that it seems that one can't turn around without seeing another representation of the multimillionaire monster called "The Media." It's a force so powerful that the public can't live without it; while in the past, it could not live without the public. The Media is such a curious creature, but without humans, it never would have come into being. However, one does have to wonder... how exactly did it come about?

Why, the answer should be obvious! There was once a verb called Reading, who enjoyed the attentions of the many that it happened to entrance with its bewitching words. Fabricating worlds, explaining theories, and reliving past events were only a few of Reading's abilities, and all from the very webs of its followers' (dubbed "Readers" by many) imaginations! After a time, the strain of being unnoticed by far too many caused Reading to pass away. The Readers still lived on and swore to carry on their master's works by teaching its lessons to their children. Others tried to pass on the power by creating different species that have collectively come to be known as "The Media." From generation to generation, the legend of Reading lived on, as well as many of the myths and beliefs surrounding it.

Hmm, what legends? For one, many believe that Reading's way was very hard, and it required the development of traits that the would-be Reader typically loathed to spend time on; such as concentration, patience, and wisdom. This is a myth, since Reading asked for only what the would-be Reader was willing to give. In return, the Reader would gain the equivalent of what he or she gave up. The theory of equivalent exchange was one of the main principles that Reading taught; whether the would-be Reader came to realize this or not was not a responsibility of Reading, nor its disciples.

Another belief was that to Read (as the practice of "The Way" was called) was to gain "power." The truth to that is a bit murky, as it is entirely dependent on the Reader's interpretation of how to Read. To Read an entire lifetime is to follow only one part of Reading's teachings. However, not to Read at all is virtually an intellectual crime! Reading once said that there must be a balance between the two, as there should be time in one's life to Read and to digest what one has learned after a Read. The establishment of harmony between these two facets is what gives the Reader "power." Also, one must always bear in mind the theory of equivalent exchange, as it can explain the lack or excess of power received after the establishment of harmony between the two. It is also wise to consider the varied interpretations of "power," as misunderstandings or misconceived notions may cause the Reader to stray from the path and never Read again.

One legend that should always be mentioned whenever Reading is mentioned is the one concerning the "benefits" of becoming a true Reader. As previously mentioned, when one Reads properly, power can be gained. However, the type (traits) and amount (equivalent exchange) is dependent on the Reader. For example, one who Reads general fiction will likely gain levels in the traits "Imagination," "Originality," or both. A Reader of biographies would likely gain levels in the traits "Psychology," "History," or, again, both. The traits "Knowledge" and "Information" are considered so linked that they might as well be considered one, so it is useful to note that a level of each is always gained after a Read. There are more traits and things that one can Read than is mentioned here, but Reading's main concern on this subject is that the more one Reads, the more powerful the Reader becomes.

An aspiring Reader should know that there are different types of Reads, and they are divided into two groups: Fiction and Non-Fiction. Fiction will help the Reader more with his or her "Creative"-related traits, while Non-Fiction helps to develop the "Fact"-related ones. It is recommended that Readers do not neglect one group in pursuit of the other. Both are very important in properly following the path laid by Reading. One should also note that different types of Reads will cause reactions of different emotions in the Reader. Although the reactions vary with each person, they're generally the same and the Reader should not forget to enjoy themselves when they Read something they happen to like. "For that," Reading believed, "was the truth essence of a Read: enjoyment." That is not to say enjoyment is the only reason why people Read. Some are greedy for power, while others are merely curious. The rationalities are endless and some reasons, admittedly, are not quite rational at all; for as many different types of Reads there are, there are over a hundred different types of Readers. The possibilities are infinite, and might actually be more than possible. Mind-boggling? Always.