#14 Why bother reading books?
I was asked this question a while ago and couldn’t stop thinking about it: why bother reading books when you can simply sit back and watch videos and films? So, let's take a moment to delve into the often-overlooked beauty of reading and why it's more important than ever.
So, what happens if we lose this cognitive patience to immerse ourselves in books? What happens if we no longer take the time to understand the thoughts and feelings of those distinct from us? It's a question worth pondering, especially in a world where empathy is declining among young people. Studies have shown a concerning decrease in empathy over the past few decades, highlighting the need for activities that promote understanding and compassion. For this reason, reading is not just about consuming words. It's about immersing ourselves in the lives and emotions of others as if they were our own.
Reading offers us a unique opportunity to communicate and connect with others on a deeply emotional level.
Yes, movies and films can offer a glimpse into other lives, but reading allows us to enter the articulated thoughts of others. It allows us to feel what it means to be another person with aspirations, doubts, and emotions that we might never have known otherwise.
As Marcel Proust put it, reading is a "fertile miracle of communication effected in solitude," a journey that takes us beyond ourselves and into the hearts of others.
So, why bother reading books when you can watch films? Because reading gives us more than entertainment. It's a pathway to empathy, understanding, and connection in a world that often feels increasingly disconnected. As we navigate the complexities of life, let's not forget the power of a good book to remind us of our shared humanity.
Look after yourself.
Warm wishes,
Kati
P.S. This newsletter was inspired by the book Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World.
Also, Can you remember the moment you became a reader (as in being able to read and understand a text)? I’d love to hear from you. Hit reply and let me know.