📚 The First Chapter: Why Reading Shapes My World
I’ve been thinking a lot about what the first post on this blog should be. The answer is simple and profound: reading.
To me, reading is the primary force that shapes my character. I see myself as a living library—a collection of beautiful ideas penned by remarkable minds from every corner of the world, whether their words were set down last year or centuries ago.
What is My Relationship with Reading?
Why do I read, or more accurately, what is my intimate connection with this so-called "reading"?
It’s My Mental Gym. In an era dominated by the digital wave and the misuse of our time, reading is my vital, healthy habit. It keeps my mind sharp, preventing it from getting rusty.
It’s My Steadfast Friend. Reading is a close companion that shares every step of my journey—my suffering, my happiness, and my most joyful times.
It’s My Escape and Anchor. I find reading to be my essential refuge from emptiness and the corrosive effects of a negative environment.
Books have been instrumental in arming my mind against life's heaviest burdens. I have been able to overcome bouts of depression, anxiety, and the gravitational pull of bad habits by immersing myself in the wisdom of great writers.
Whether a book is fictional or non-fictional, the value remains:
I find a lesson to be learned.
I discover a story and adventure to live by.
I encounter a discovery that ignites and keeps the flame of motivation and learning alive.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one.”
Reading is my ultimate time machine. It's a vehicle where I travel to the past to learn about our ancestors—their struggles, their wisdom, and how they handled the complexities of daily life. No matter the subject, there is always something profound to grasp and add to my personal development.
“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”
The Missing Currency: Time
If you look at history, you'll find a common thread connecting every great inventor, scientist, and influential figure: they were readers. Their achievements were defined by this shared habit of absorbing and building upon the knowledge that inspired them.
Yet, in our modern world, many people feel they don't have access to this power. Why? Because they lack the required currency to get those books: time.
This time isn't truly "lacking"; it's being consumed and wasted on unproductive, passive entertainment. This endless scrolling and consumption often serves as a temporary, digital pill that merely eases the suffering from a lack of purpose and a feeling of emptiness, adding little to genuine human development.
How I Stay Invested in Reading
So, how do I manage to invest my time wisely and get the most out of reading amidst the digital noise? I utilize every available format:
Paper Book When I'm at my own space for deep, focused reading.
Audio Book When driving or performing repetitive tasks (e.g., chores, exercise).
Digital Format (e.g., Kindle) When traveling or for quick access on the go.
I'm certainly not suggesting you spend every waking moment reading! Fun and entertainment are necessary for a balanced life. However, we must be careful not to dive so deep into digital excess that it negatively affects our minds and personalities. It is genuinely disheartening to see the younger generation follow the crowd, often negatively influenced by "social influencers," many of whom are little more than noise—lacking meaningful content or positive impact.
My Suggestion for Your Reading Journey
“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”
Explore the Horizons: Don't limit yourself! Go explore the past, the future, and the limitless boundaries of imagination. Let your mind travel the world and learn directly from those great minds and authors.
Define Your Purpose: Before you open a page, set a goal and a reason for your reading. What is the intended outcome? Are you seeking wisdom, comfort, knowledge, or inspiration? Having a purpose turns passive consumption into active learning.
I won't dive too deep into the mechanics just yet; I'd like to leave some room for open discussion and further elaboration in the comments.
Let's Discuss!
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Please tell us:
What is your personal journey and relationship with books?
What books have profoundly influenced you to be the person you are right now?
How do you keep the skill of deep reading alive amidst the current digital wave?
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your stories.
