Reading, and why I think it’s important

When I was younger I remember always wanting to read, however wanting something and actually 

doing it can be two very different things. The idea of getting lost in a book always fascinated me, although I was never as passionate about it as I wanted. I would always get distracted by going out with friends or playing video games; when younger, understandably, the two latter options were always considered more important. I found the only time I was really motivated to read was after watching the film Matilda, and no doubt that was because I was under the illusion that superpowers proceed hours of vigorous reading. To this day I kick myself because I think “imagine how much more you would know now if you had taken the time as a child to really get into reading”…

 I suppose the term “better late than never” is an appropriate phrase for my current situation.

So, many years down the line and many life lessons later I have made it my mission to fit a considerable amount of reading into my lifestyle. I have always had a thirst for knowledge, however for some reason it took me a year at university to realise that this thirst can be quenched with the millions of books available at my disposal via; bookshops, charity shops, kindle, libraries, and the internet. Now going into my 3^rd academic year and many book purchases later, I am so much more informed about the world around us, I feel I am more comfortable when participating in intellectual conversations (it is nice to have something to talk about that is not just psychology based, because not everyone studies it), and my mind has been open to the benefits of vicariously learning through the experiences and knowledge of others. 

Reading as a whole is obviously very important, although my preference of book is predominantly fact over fiction. I do like to read a fictitious novel parallel to a book that I can gain real world knowledge from, but it is not my primary focus. Much enjoyment can come from losing myself in a story but I do not feel that it can provide me with any knowledge based advantages (that is not to say that they don’t, no doubt one’s literacy can increase as a result, however that among other things can be learnt when reading factually accurate books). And from personal experience I think reading in general is a greatly un-appreciated form of learning. For the sake of spending £5 in a charity bookshop you can learn some of the most amazing things. It helps to put many things into perspective, not only do I feel like it increases intellect but I think that it can help you become a more rounded person as a result.   

I can understand that to some people reading can seem boring, but if you look at the big picture reading is more advantageous than it is a waste of time. For what reason are we even on this planet if it isn’t to learn? (and reproduce but that is beside the point). And for those people that claim to have no time, you will be surprised how much you can read in 30 minutes. I work on weekends, go to university 5 times a week and train martial arts 4 evenings of the week. If I can find time I am sure you can, it is just a matter of prioritising.

I am not belittling or trying to negatively portray those that don’t read. It is completely your decision, learning can come from many areas of life besides reading. I just wanted to explain some of the added benefits reading can produce and how interesting/inspiring it can really be. Throughout this post I have probably painted myself as someone who spends all their spare time hunched over in a quiet room reading a book. This is only partly true :) I do enjoy a social life and also make time for other hobbies too, which proves that as long as you prioritise, you can still fit things such as reading in.

For anyone that has read this until the end, I thank you and wish you all the best.

Au revoir until my next post :)

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