How reading can shape your mind!
Reading books is no longer an old trend.
Most people in our hometown consider reading too much is an abnormal activity. They believe excessive reading can affect one’s mind and ultimately lead to mental erosion.
The story begins when my mom first visited mainland Pakistan from Hunza. When she entered my apartment and saw the books,
She exclaimed.
So, did you read all these books?
I hesitantly replied, No, Mom, I am still reading it.
I started to cover my cigarettes and leftover food!
But I failed.
Deep down, I felt ashamed that I had never kept my promise.
When I was moving from Hunza to Islamabad for my graduate study
I promised to Mom that I will never touch a cigerates.
My father was a smoker, and she knew that one day he would smoke.
She was genuinely worried about my physical health.
When she settled down, she brought out some paper boxes, put all my books in them, and told me to sell them or give them to a library.
Initially, my reaction could have been better. I tried to convince her that these books had shaped my worldview.
Without these books, I couldn’t understand what I wanted in life.
However, I realized that she was genuinely concerned about my mental health, sharing stories about people who had supposedly lost their sanity from reading too much.
Sometimes, you become biased when you rely on sentiments rather than logic.
I told myself I should listen to my mom and abandoned my entire collection. When I worked in a call center, half of my salary went to buying books; the rest was for me and my family. I never realized that these were the books that helped me shape my worldview and build my confidence.
So, I packed almost 100 books and donated them to the local library back in my hometown.
She stayed with me for nearly four months, and during those months, I completely abandoned my physical reading routine, but I never quit reading ebooks.
One day, I found the book “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. The book is primarily divided into four parts. The first part explains the goals of reading and the levels of reading. The second part dives into the importance of reading and analytical building. Parts three and four explore different kinds of reading and the ultimate goal of reading.
This book shifted my thoughts and helped me regain the momentum to read physical books and ebooks.
After reading it, I could easily distinguish the author’s intention, identify the book’s audience, and create a routine to upgrade my information and learning.
These stereotypes about reading have diminished the desire for it, especially after the post-pandemic e-commerce boom. However, people have regained interest in reading different types of books. Reading is pivotal for both mental and physical health. It helps us understand life's most fundamental questions and boosts our careers. The world is more demanding today, and content is becoming more competitive. One should be aware of everything that can help them shape their career.
In today’s fast-paced world, acquiring and processing information quickly is more important than ever.
Reading provides knowledge and enhances critical thinking and empathy. It allows us to explore different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and well-rounded worldview.
Reading remains a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, whether through physical or ebooks. The resurgence of interest in reading is a testament to its enduring value.
Moreover, reading equips us with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world. It sharpens our ability to analyze, interpret, and synthesize information, making us more adept at problem-solving and decision-making. As we immerse ourselves in diverse genres and subjects, we become more adaptable and open-minded, which is essential in today’s globalized society.
Ultimately, reading is a lifelong adventure that enriches our minds and souls. It connects us to the past, informs our present, and inspires our future. So, let us embrace the habit of reading, not just as a pastime but as a vital component of our personal and professional development.
