Reading is one of the most important habits that we need to develop as we grow up. Ever since we are kids, we have been encouraged to read, more textbooks, more workbooks. We have been always told to read newspapers every day. This is because reading is the most important form of learning new things.
Books are an important source of information. Though now, the prominence of books is slowly reducing thanks to the advent of technology. But there was a time when they were the sole source to clear one’s doubts.
What’s more baffling is the disconnection of today’s youth with even the concept of reading. It seems that people are more interested in looking down at their smart phones rather than read a novel.
When was the last time you’ve read anything, other than on your smart phone? Which brings up the question, where did the kid who once loved reading stories and tales go? Really, Books are our best friend !
Table of Contents
History
Reading can be traced back to the early prehistoric ages, when man used to jot down the number of prey killed, crops harvested and supplies remaining on cave walls for others to read.
When more information began to get noted down, man began inventing modes of communication, like clay tablet, papyrus etc. As books got invented, people began reading more and slowly books became a prominent source of entertainment as well as information.
Everything came to be documented in books, research work, and important literary works. A library is any building or space filled with documented information in the form of books, files etc.
But we better know the library as a place where we went to find any number of books regarding the topic that we want to research or just gather novels for leisure reading. Libraries have also been an important part of history, as many ancient cities are known for their literary libraries and the scholars present at such institutions.
Decline
Ever since the fad of smart phones, television shows and the on the go internet started, people have been paying less and less attention on books and literature. Everywhere you see, people are chatting away on an instant messaging site or application.
Social media is one of the other major causes of concern. People are so busy trying to find out what others are doing with their lives, that they end up wasting their precious leisure time, which they could’ve used to get important work done, relaxed or pursued their hobby, one of which could be reading.
Though there are many who still find time to read, they too are advertently deprived of the habit due other worldly distractions. Children are introduced to technology early in their lives, which indirectly affects their interest in picking up a book.
An iPad for example, is much more appealing to a child due to the bright colors on screen, interactive apps and games etc. Reading is a habit that must be cultivated at an early age in children.
Efforts
Recognizing this downward spiral in interest of reading, schools are making it more mandatory to read literary works. Libraries are popping up offering books at low rates. Many events and initiatives, like the books by weight initiative encourage readers who buy more books at meager rates.
Awareness is being spread regarding the ignorance that prevails in the absence of a reading habit. More and more people are being made aware of the cognitive benefits of reading, in any form, be it novels, newspapers, articles etc.
Literature is dying out and it is clearly our responsibility to not let that happen and spread the word. We ourselves must start the habit, which can then be passed on to others through the example.
For example, seeing you read while travelling, let’s say in a train, someone who sees you might be inspired to rekindle his or her love for reading that had gotten lost in their eternal yet monotonous struggle of daily life.
So pick up a book, start exploring a world of imagination. Each book has a whole universe that is waiting for you to discover.
Note down the things you liked while you read, make memories, learn and see yourself grow as an individual. And as someone once said, Beware of reading, it can greatly harm your ignorance!
Leave a Reply