I recently attended a book launch of a number of business books relating to talent management, collective bargaining and leadership, and I started thinking: Are books still relevant in our day and age? How many of us relax with a chunky book for pleasure, creativity or just to escape all the noise happening around us? I must admit that 2 years ago I was too tired from work to read….anything! A newspaper here, a tweet there, facebook message, LinkedIn post, but really, I never had (or made) time. Now that I have more time and am able to indulge in the habit, I find it a close second to chocolate!
So what is it that gives some of us a high when reading a book?
1. Seeing things differently
We live in our own heads most of the time and seldom consciously try and see things from the perspectives of others. Reading allows one to see through the eyes of the author; to feel, smell and taste through the senses of another person. So, I suppose it allows us to develop our feelings of empathy towards others.
2. Source of learning
Reading books enlarges our capacity to learn new things and become knowledgeable about a variety of issues. There are a number of sources of learning: chatting to a friend, listening to the radio, watching television, and each has its own place as a source of learning. Books tend to offer a deeper connection to learning. What do I mean by this? Your brain is focused on the storyline, the words that connect to feelings and emotions (yes, even great business books do this too!).
3. Travelling for free
Have you eaten one block of chocolate and had to go back for more? Or are you hooked on reality shows or prime time series? Books also provide that “what will happen next on the journey” effect. Reading allows you to travel for free. You take off, then the plane starts to cruise at the correct altitude, but something causes the plane to deviate and you don’t quite know why. Your mind starts to create different scenarios…but it ends up not being the scenario you had conjured up.
If reading books is still relevant, why are less and less people reading?