Not many do this these days, but people used to read a lot when there were no TVs and Computers. Untill about some 50 years ago. During the day people used to sit in well lit rooms, usually the library of the home or the office, and at night, in an artificially lit room ofcourse. But lighting up a room was used to be seen as a great expense, and thats exactly why the table lamp was invented. It throws light only on the desk and uses energy effeciently, and gives optimum lighting for your book reading without having to damage your eyes.