Day 102 – Why You Should Be Reading

Numerous reasons exist for maintaining a consistent reading habit throughout one’s life, but the foremost is deceptively simple: language. Language is far more intricate than we often realize. While basic cognitive processes might have been present in our earliest pre-linguistic stages, it was not until the advent of language that we began to explore higher-order concepts. The introduction of symbols to interpret, communicate, and represent abstract thoughts marked the beginning of our journey toward developing ambition, characterization, and an imaginative capacity. Language forms the foundation of our identity, or at least, it shapes our potential self-perceptions.

Our journey with language begins early, as we initially enhance our linguistic skills through the transfer of basic vocabulary, often facilitated by our caregivers. As we grow, our engagement with language evolves, encompassing both the written and spoken word. Our brains, adept at processing language, seamlessly interpret the meanings behind words and symbols to the extent that we scarcely acknowledge this intricate process. When we read, the conversion of printed words into meaning occurs almost instantaneously, without conscious deliberation. This remarkable human adaptation underscores a fascinating aspect of our existence — the way we understand the world and shape our self-identity.

I vividly recall the moment I realized that written words were the recorded thoughts of others — a revelation that left me astounded. I was in the first grade, a time when school felt like a prison to my rebellious young soul. Surrounded by anxious and sometimes spiteful peers, bound by rigid schedules for even the most basic activities, I felt deeply resistant to the entire experience. However, a pivotal shift occurred during a lunch period with my first-grade teacher. She opened a book and explained its purpose. She told me that people, just like me, had thoughts, and they captured these in books. She promised that through reading, I could access the minds of countless individuals across generations. This idea ignited a voracious appetite for reading within me. I began to read everything in sight — road signs, bumper stickers, my dad’s book collection, my mom’s magazines — anything I could find. By third or fourth grade, I was delving into books far beyond my years, driven by the belief that if there were any secrets to be unearthed in this world, I would discover them through reading.

Regrettably, for many, the habit of reading diminishes significantly during high school. They fulfill only the minimum reading requirements, rarely engaging with books for pleasure. Often, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ or a similarly mandated novel marks their final venture into the realm of reading complex thoughts. Subsequently, their reading material dwindles to dinner menus, bathroom graffiti, and emails. This stagnation leads to a plateau in language proficiency, with little to no further expansion. Here’s a challenging notion to consider: the growth of your mind is intrinsically linked to the breadth of language you comprehend.

Some linguists argue that the native language of a population significantly influences its collective tendencies. Certain languages, slow to develop their own technical lexicons, have historically borrowed such terms from others out of necessity. This linguistic borrowing can be seen as a reflection of, or even a contributing factor to, the pace of technological progress within a culture. For example, cultures lacking complex linguistic constructs for time might appear more laid-back and less punctual. This phenomenon highlights the profound impact of language on cultural norms. Reflecting on the beauty, intricacies, and limitations of our spoken languages offers insight into both our cultural identities and cognitive frameworks.

From elementary school onwards, our minds are trained to process information, ideas, and abstract concepts through language. This mode of processing is the fastest and most efficient way for us to grasp new concepts, entertain novel ideas, and devise solutions to current challenges. Our capacity to think critically and to address problems innovatively is inextricably linked to our command of language. The broader our exposure to diverse thoughts articulated through language, the greater our cognitive capacity and capability become. Immersing ourselves in the thoughts of others, as communicated through written and spoken language, is arguably the most powerful method to enhance and expand our intellectual faculties.

If you’re searching for a universal solution to your challenges, the answer might be simpler than you think: read more. Whether you aim to excel in your career, make astute investment choices, or succeed in negotiations, reading more can be your secret weapon. It’s not just about professional success; reading can enhance your personal life, too. Want to captivate someone’s interest or cultivate deeper connections? Read more. Seeking happiness, a better understanding of others, or the ability to apply logic and reason to complex issues? The solution lies in the pages of books. There’s no other remedy quite as universally effective as the simple act of reading.