Why Reading Matters

I was listening to a comedian the other day, and I heard him bash pretty heavily against reading literature. This attitude is not new in our world. In fact, it is a common attitude. Many people that I know—some of whom are in my own family—detest the act of “reading.”

Why is this? I am honestly not sure. Reading is a proven method of enhancing one’s brain functioning and intelligence (facts below), so why are people so hastily rallied against it? I’m guessing that it has to do with this culture of laziness that has overtaken our country. An attitude put forth by the 1980’s pop band, Loverboy; “Workin’ for the Weekend.” Once that weekend is here, all we want to do is nothing.

Now, I’m not a political activist or a steward for social change; I’m not that arrogant. However, I am a writer. And, if you didn’t know this about writers, we are very observant people.

I’m not saying that with conceit. (On the contrary; being so observant turns many of us into alcoholic,  sociopaths. Read the life stories of any major author in the last 200 years; most of them are a little loopy.) I’m more of saying it because it is one of my only skills. Many people are great at a lot of things. Me? I’m basically only good at being a writer. Otherwise, I’m a pretty worthless guy.

That being said, I have personally observed that the culture that we live in belittles those who read literature and looks upon those who read for pleasure with suspicion. People who read are often viewed as “witches;” strange, unknowable creatures with ulterior motives galore and a penchant for the macabre.

Recently, I was reading a book at my house when some friends came over. They commented on how it was “strange” that I was reading for pleasure. I said nothing; as I often do, but it made me think.

Why is it so strange for me to read for pleasure?

I decided that it is because, as a culture, it is not a common phenomenon. It is nothing against those people who ask. It has just become a social norm to not read for pleasure. Reading is for school or professional advancement. But, when the day is over, the TV turns on and the brain turns off.

This is the culture that we live in.

A recent study published by the LA Times found that only 57% of Americans read one or more books that were not required by school or work over the course of a year. Barely more than half of the people that you see (in the US) actually sit down and crack open a book.

People scoff at literacy, believing that it is a waste of time. The same comedian that I heard said that they hated going to a movie with someone who “read the book” that the movie is based off, because those people tend to have more knowledge of the subject matter. The comedian quipped that the movie is better because there is no reading involved.

Sure, it was a joke, but, as with most jokes, they are rooted in some truth.

What is the Benefit of Reading?

So, you are probably wondering; why should I read? What good will it do me? Well, I’m glad you hypothetically asked. Here are just a few examples.

Another website that I read found that reading can do the following:

• Enhance general knowledge
• Reduce stress
• Improves relaxation
• Improves analytical thinking
• Improves vocabulary
• Improves memory
• Improves writing skills
• Improves goal-setting

NOTE: Almost half of the people reading this blog post will have stopped reading by now because it is too long and requires too much reading.

Another study found that reading improves these factors:

• Social and emotional intelligence
• Empathy
• Critical Thinking
• Fast decision-making

Another still found that reading:

• Feeds the intellectual cravings of the mind
• Improves conversational abilities
• Stimulates creativity
• Reduces stress
• Improve problem-solving abilities

The TV Conundrum

The fact of the matter is that reading is one of the best activities to improve your brain’s higher functioning.

I love television. It’s one of my favorite methods of storytelling. However, a study put forth in the Journal of Genetic Psychology found that a reliance on television for stories and information can actually be damaging to brain functioning and potentially lower one’s intelligence quotient.

Put down the remote and pick up a book. You can even get an eBook and never have to worry about finding shelf space for your literature. Just read it on your phone. You can even buy it from your phone. Either way, you will benefit from reading much more than you think.

And, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you “don’t have time.” The New York Daily News found that the average American watches 34 hours of television per week. Cut that in half and spend the spare 17 hours per week reading a book.

Now, allow me to dismount my soapbox and get back to writing. I’ve got a book to finish.

Until next time.