I started reading novels very late in my life. But when I started it, I became very fond of reading. And after that, whenever I see any book, I at least turn its pages to check what it is about.
Every weekend I travel from Mumbai to Pune and Pune to Mumbai by Indrayani. A book-seller always comes in the train to sell books. Those are all pirated copies of books. I can’t control myself from at least skimming through most of the books. And many times, I buy one. I buy the pirated book.
When everyone is breaking the rule, no one feels that he is doing anything wrong. That way, I never felt anything wrong in buying pirated books. Most of the times, I avoid doing anything which I feel is illegal. But somehow I forgot my own principle in this case.
Once I told my friend that I had purchased a pirated book . He called me “Thief” as I had bought a pirated copy. He said I should not be given salary for a month as I am not allowing the author of the book to get the fraction of royalty for his work. I took it very lightly.
After some days, I again did the same and bought another pirated book. He again called me a thief. I agreed that I should not repeat it.
But then again after few days I happened to see a small book stand on the road, selling pirated copies. I couldn't control myself from skimming through the books and as I liked two of those books, I bought them.
I again told my friend about it. This time he said it in a more effective way. I explained to him how I can’t control myself from buying books (not only pirated ones though). He gave an analogy of an actual thief. He said that same thing happens with a thief. Thief sees the money. He feels he is short of it and can’t stop himself from stealing it.
And I think, giving this analogy was the most effective way to convince me and to stop me from buying pirated copies.
Now this reminded me of my principle of avoiding doing illegal things.
And yes, I’m going to stick to that. Now onwards, I will buy books from a proper shop where I will get original copies and will allow my favourite authors to get their fraction of royalty for their valuable work. I can avoid doing illegal things atleast in case of books.
