Ever since the age of four, my mum took me to our local library, and introduced me the wonderful world of books. I have developed a passion for books ever since, which may therefore come as no surprise that I now study law (which requires excessive reading) but that I always have two books minimum with me to read, where ever I may be.
I was therefore a bit gutted to discover via the Stylist magazine that nearly four million children in Britain do not own ANY books. None whatsoever. I brought the article home from uni to read further, and turn on the TV, to watch a programme on BBC1, about how physical hard copy books are becoming extinct by these online, E-books, which young people may not read anyway because they concern themselves more so with social networks.
I personally find it appalling that young people are growing up in a world of booklessness (I just invented a word, I know). The adventure to travel to an actual bookstore, or make the mature decision to join a library, is part of the voyage of growing up. I am sure I am not the only one who can say that all the books I read and still read, make me who I am today.
Yet this is also true for those who waste their time solely on social networks and the like. (I say solely because I acknowledge the importance of social networks, as I have plenty, but only when used moderately.) People who spend more time on social networks, fretting over how many ‘followers’ they have, or how many ‘like’ their facebook statuses, are more likely to have low self esteem, caring more about what others think about them, than those who spend time away from the world time and again to spend time in another world, in another book, in another adventure.
I think it is time for people, young and old (although I dare say the old have inherited the great habit of reading) to take it upon themselves to read. To open their eyes to worlds beyond their own. To deepen and improve their vocabulary, as the reason many young people have adopted ‘slang’ as their first language (if that’s what such a vile dialect can be called) is due to these social networks and online activity as opposed to spending more time with books and knowledgeable pastimes.
Books not only broaden your vocabulary, open your eyes, deepen your mind and intellect, but also generate positive attitudes in human behaviour. The mere process of setting out to read something (usually in a tranquil environment) and carry it out till the end, promotes patience, and I have personally found myself grow in patience, in comparison to my sister who was not brought up with books as much as I was. So, having said all this (with little facts or figures, maybe if this was an article I could’ve provided facts, but I have no time to research, and my brother wants to use the computer) I hereby declare my urging you to read read read! Oh you do so already? Fantastic! :-)
I was therefore a bit gutted to discover via the Stylist magazine that nearly four million children in Britain do not own ANY books. None whatsoever. I brought the article home from uni to read further, and turn on the TV, to watch a programme on BBC1, about how physical hard copy books are becoming extinct by these online, E-books, which young people may not read anyway because they concern themselves more so with social networks.
I personally find it appalling that young people are growing up in a world of booklessness (I just invented a word, I know). The adventure to travel to an actual bookstore, or make the mature decision to join a library, is part of the voyage of growing up. I am sure I am not the only one who can say that all the books I read and still read, make me who I am today.
Yet this is also true for those who waste their time solely on social networks and the like. (I say solely because I acknowledge the importance of social networks, as I have plenty, but only when used moderately.) People who spend more time on social networks, fretting over how many ‘followers’ they have, or how many ‘like’ their facebook statuses, are more likely to have low self esteem, caring more about what others think about them, than those who spend time away from the world time and again to spend time in another world, in another book, in another adventure.
I think it is time for people, young and old (although I dare say the old have inherited the great habit of reading) to take it upon themselves to read. To open their eyes to worlds beyond their own. To deepen and improve their vocabulary, as the reason many young people have adopted ‘slang’ as their first language (if that’s what such a vile dialect can be called) is due to these social networks and online activity as opposed to spending more time with books and knowledgeable pastimes.
Books not only broaden your vocabulary, open your eyes, deepen your mind and intellect, but also generate positive attitudes in human behaviour. The mere process of setting out to read something (usually in a tranquil environment) and carry it out till the end, promotes patience, and I have personally found myself grow in patience, in comparison to my sister who was not brought up with books as much as I was. So, having said all this (with little facts or figures, maybe if this was an article I could’ve provided facts, but I have no time to research, and my brother wants to use the computer) I hereby declare my urging you to read read read! Oh you do so already? Fantastic! :-)
Well said! Books are hugely important and technology shouldn't be allowed to diminish that. There's no reason why being surrounded by technology and having the space and time to enjoy a real book should be mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteI rely heavily on the kindle app on my phone during my daily commute, but there's nothing like the feel (or smell) of a 'proper' book.
:-)
Exactly, that's what they discussed in the programme. Books are extremely fundamental. I do apologise for the late reply, I've been quite busy. :s
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