Recently I had the opportunity to look at and comprehend the printed matter of this here book by Bear Grylls entitled A Survival Guide for Life. Or in other words I read it. And that brings about the question: What makes reading a unique experience? If you think about it reading is quite an odd concept, to look at a collection of symbols on a page and interpret them into a story, it’s pretty remarkable, but that being said there is more to reading than understanding the text.
Reading takes us places especially when we have nowhere to go, most books feed us usable knowledge and according to some studies, reading can help lower the chances of dementia. And that’s all good and I am going somewhere with this. See, when I read something, which I find enjoyable obviously, it comes to life inside my mind. It’s not like watching a movie because it’s different, we can control what we want to “see, hear and feel” I think that’s one of the reasons that makes reading so unique. I also found that reading can be very motivating.
Within any book, I’m sure you’ll find something that inspires you. Right? Take this book for example it’s not a novel, but it’s more of a motivational guide. Now many people don’t like these types of books because they say: When you read it you become very motivated but then four days later you forget everything and ease back you’re your little lackadaisical life.” In this, there is a similar analogy to which the author replies: “Of course the effects (of motivation) are temporary, but so are the effects of washing your armpits – that’s why you should wash them every day!” In the same way, I constantly need to be motivated earlier I said that reading is motivating and if reading is motivating then we need to read more to stay motivated because that’s what helps us get through matric and the rest of life. In terms of reading, there is something quite amazing when it comes to books.
In today's world where technology controls us more we control technology, we still find limitations in its use right? Whether it's signal, Wi-Fi range, or “oh-my-gosh” – your battery running out of power. Well, let me tell you something: Books - don’t - run - out – of - battery! And that means that books and the whole idea of reading are going to be around for eternity. So that means that there is no excuse for the lack of knowledge in our lives as the world becomes more advanced and complicated. And that brings me to my next point, what are the advantages of reading, and more specifically does reading actually make you smarter? The first is that reading makes your brain younger! It sounds crazy but it’s true. According to a study done by Rush University Medical Centre adults who engage in mentally challenging, intellectual activities like reading, chess, and puzzles have a 32% lower rate of cognitive declination in life. Secondly: Research shows that 15% of all the words we know are a result of reading so that means the more you read, the bigger words you’ll know and the smarter you’ll be… or seem. And lastly reading will reduce stress by 67% So with that I think it’s clear to say that reading does make you smarter. And in conclusion, I’d like to end with this quote from this book: “If you read every day, it’ll soon become a habit. A good habit empowers you every day to climb high, aim big and have fun along the way”