I received an email inviting me to buy books also containing a phrase that inspired this post: “Why reading teaches us to read”.
I think that this aphorism, if I can call it like that, embodies the profound value of reading in our lives. Reading is not just a pastime; it is a source of knowledge and a powerful tool for interpreting the world around us. Reading empowers us to decipher the world and recognize the stories unfolding beyond the pages of books — those stories that unfold around us daily.
The Power of Reading
Reading is much more than an activity involving words on a page. It is a process that teaches us to decipher the hidden meaning behind the words themselves. It teaches us to read between the lines and capture the details that would escape those who haven’t trained their gaze through reading. However, the power of reading goes far beyond the ability to interpret written words.
Reading gives us the power to read the world around us. It is a medium through which we can better understand the complex dynamics of society, politics, culture, and human nature itself. It allows us to explore different perspectives and connect with the experiences of people we might never encounter in our everyday lives.
In addition to revealing the world through reading, we also learn to recognize stories hidden beyond books. Every day, stories are unfolding around us, often going unnoticed. These stories can be disguised as facts, newspaper headlines, political speeches, or slogans, but also personal stories. Reading equips us with the tools to dig deeper, question what is presented to us, and seek the truth behind appearances.
Choosing What We Read
It’s important to emphasize that reading is not just a matter of quantity but also quality. We should carefully choose what we read. We should seek out engaging, dissenting, and liberating stories that challenge and inspire us. These stories become tools we can use to analyze and better understand the world.
Reading the world may seem like a daunting task, and indeed, it is. The world is a book with an ever-more intricate plot, a narrative that is constantly evolving. But just like a good book, the world offers a wealth of knowledge and adventures. Reading is the key to opening this book, immersing ourselves in its pages, and discovering the secrets and stories it contains.
In conclusion, reading is much more than a pastime; it is a means through which we gain the power to read the world and recognize the stories revealed around us. It is an act of discernment that helps us distinguish what is true from what is distorted or manipulated. Let us choose what we read carefully because every book we open brings us a little closer to understanding the complex novel that is the world.
What kind of books are you more interested in?
Crisbie Coach 