I am a bibliophile. I grew up in a family of bookworms and amidst those who used to collect hundreds of books. My shelf has grown ever since I discovered my love and passion for reading, as I use up most of my allowance to buy good books, fiction mostly.
While studying in school, we were given a lot of lessons about morality and education. In general, the teachers discouraged students from watching too much TV, films, video games etc. But they all had one common opinion – a book can be your best friend while growing up. And it is true.
Here are 10 reasons why you should read, and encourage reading as a habit for your near and dear ones.
1. It improves your language
This was a tremendous change which I found by myself – after reading about 10 books back-to-back over a period of three months. I found myself using new words, and my writing became more refined in itself.
Not just JK Rowling, even Indian writers like Amish, Anand Neelakantan, Anita Nair, Ruskin Bond and their like use profound words while describing an incident or situation, so that we can understand them. In the process, they also create perfect sentences, which is an art in itself.
They way you talk, the way you deliver factual points while debating and the way you finish a sentence will all be improved if you are exposed to apt forms of literature. There are studies which prove the same.
2. Better attention span
One of the biggest problems an individual has is their inability to focus on something. Focussing on a book itself is a process. Reading the book will increase your attention span, as the brain works accordingly.
3. Encouraging the knowledge-seeking process
Reading good books can increase the person’s intellect, and the person will learn more. One of the contributing factors here is curiosity. The reader will want to know more and explore more.
In books, you will come across those subjects which you may ignore in your day-to-day. But these may become interesting within the context of the book (for example, books on politics or science). You may come across instances while reading fiction where the book’s context may drive you to go to a library or refer to the internet to find out more about the same.
4. Learning better morals
Even here, there’s a necessity to read good books. People usually bask in the light of all the lessons from religious texts, but it is their interpretation plays the moral game. You may realise the negativity in a particular description – and then, correct it in real life and use the lesson in a positive manner. After all, we learn history not only to know about our past mistakes, but also to ensure that they are not repeated.
The Harry Potter series, in general, influenced us in a positive manner. More girls wanted to be like Hermione Granger, who’s clever and protective. Values like love, friendship, moral support, overcoming trauma, teamwork – and above all, doing what is right in the face of adversity – are all well depicted in the series.
5. Makes you creative
Good literature will definitely awaken the ‘hidden talent’ in you – not just regarding writing but also in other forms of art. JK Rowling read a lot of books before working on “Harry Potter”. JRR Tolkien used to spend hours at the library. Creating a theme is one thing – but making it into a text that impresses the reader is the real task backed by an artistic approach.
6. Reduces the chances of cognitive diseases
It has been proven that activities like reading, listening to music and exercises can reduce the chances of suffering from cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Your brain’s activity is continuous and this activity helps with your daily activities. “Our study suggests that exercising your brain by taking part in activities such as these across a person’s lifetime, from childhood through old age, is important for brain health in old age,” says Robert S Wilson (the report’s author) at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
7. Gives you a chance to explore
Your life could be uninteresting at the moment. But reading will help you create a world in your head and explore the same. It is more interesting than watching a film where the visuals are already created. It is great chance to explore the world created by authors and for experiencing the same through the characters.
8. Mentorship
A good book can be a great mentor. You will discover your own strengths and weaknesses when you read about the same. A good book can also guide you on how to approach a problem and solve it. As an individual, you will change for the better.
9. Feeds your intelligence
There was a time when people were afraid of those who read a lot. .Good books will feed your intelligence and even develop your personality.
10. It is pure fun
You will have a great time when you are experiencing the author’s imagination. It is the perfect to eliminate boredom.
So grab a copy and have fun!
You can check out these lists of recommended books here and here.
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Featured image used for representative purposes only.