Reading opens up a world of delight because it endows one’s mind with comprehension, being able to understand the workings of life, nature and people.
Whereas writing endows a person with the ability to compose and express thoughts and ideas into stylistic prose, reading allows for understanding. First, there is comprehension, the awareness, the understanding. Then, there is composition and the expression of that which is understood.
These two, reading and writing, go hand in hand.
And they make up the most amazing gifts any person could embrace in this world.
Yet, so many neglect developing their reading habit. And even more neglect developing their writing skills.
To neglect these gifts means we are wasting our ability to understand life, and we are wasting the gift of being able to express ourselves well.
To understand life is to gain knowledge. And what is better than knowledge? We go to school and university to gain knowledge so we could live a successful life.
And to express ourselves with style and eloquence is to be able to participate well in society, to rub shoulders with other human beings relatively successfully.
If any person today were to focus and dedicate time daily to develop the habit of reading, that person would see a dramatic increase in his or her living standard.
All over our country we should encourage the art of reading.
The Ministry of Culture ought to incorporate reading – of fiction, poetry, drama, newspapers and magazines – as a community activity in every village and town in this nation.
Reading rooms and libraries should be icons in every village, every community centre.
The greatest gift we could give the next generation is the reading habit.
Reading a good newspaper to engage in one’s community as a habit, studying literature books for recreation and pleasure, delving into magazines like ‘The Atlantic’, ‘Foreign Affairs’ and ‘Forbes’ for ideas and insights, and browsing online blogs and articles for information all work to build character, depth of thinking and the ability to deal with the social storms of life.
Some may use brute force and violence to get what they want, but these do not last the test of time.
Every person today could embrace this self-development tool of reading.
Anyone can walk into a library, pick up a book or newspaper or magazine and read. And do it again tomorrow, and the next. And make it a daily habit.
The ability to acquire knowledge is the greatest asset anyone could possess. And knowledge is free, easily available and rewards its seeker with wisdom and understanding.
In our country, 98 percent of the population learn to read and write in early schooling, at least at a basic level.
All a person needs is to know the alphabet. The rest is up to the individual. Any person could take on the task of self-development. Just read as a lifestyle.
Instead of coming up with excuses as to why life is such a challenge, if our young people and senior people would cultivate reading as a habit, what a different society we would build.
We neglect and waste our most precious gift, and then complain and whine that we are not given our just due.
No one can hold back the one who reads constantly and seeks to uplift him or herself.
It helps us relate to other people and encourages us to be kind and considerate of other people's feelings. As it turns out, reading can actually help improve empathy. When people read stories about other people's lives, it helps them develop the skills to understand the world through another person's perspective.
Research shows that regular reading: improves brain connectivity. Increases your vocabulary and comprehension. empowers you to empathize with other people.
Reading is good for you because it improves your focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills. It can reduce stress, improve your mental health, and help you live longer. Reading also allows you to learn new things to help you succeed in your work and relationships.
