"...we should applaud...an appetite
to read more..." - Montaigne
When was the last time you read a book? When was the last time you
sat down in a big comfy chair, grabbed a good book, and simply read for the
love of reading? Perhaps it's just me but I all too often realize that I don't
read. Being a student, I carefully configure my time to ensure I can complete
assigned reading done for classes that by the time I have minutes to spare, the
last thing I want to do is read and studies show that America is not far behind
me. In the last year, it is estimated that less than 50% of Americans read a
book in 2014 for pleasure. Instead, Americans spend their time in the virtual
world of screens. Today, American homes have more TVs than family members and
TVs are one for nearly a third of the day.
During the age of the Renaissance, individuals relied on reading
to obtain knowledge and books became receptacles of learning and wisdom. As
people began gaining an education, a desire for light and knowledge began to
grow and people had a desire to read. Reading provides an escape from the
troubles of the real world. English philosopher John Locke stated, “Reading
furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge.” However, the Renaissance
could not last forever and people began putting down the books and picking up
the electronics. Why pick up a book when I have a smart phone?
The development of electronics has vastly improved society.
Communication is no longer restricted to the pen and paper. Technology allows
ones ideas to reach all across the globe. Ideas can be shared not only in
novels but on social media, television, advertisements, and more. Instead of
using books to obtain knowledge, individuals can easily turn to the internet
and find the information in a fraction of the time. Yet, as I look up from my
computer and star at the books on my shelf, I can’t help but wonder about the
stories they hold and the wisdom they wait to teach, I just need to find the
pleasure in reading them.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOops, I somehow deleted my comment... Here it is again: In this I see a few reminiscent themes from the Renaissance. I think the most obvious for me initially is ad fontes, but I think you're hitting on the 'moveable type: printing's cultural impression' as well. I like the thought of cultural impression, because printing's cultural impression and influence shrinks more and more with every generation. We may be doomed. I think your post articulates that idea, and its absence in our society, quite well.
Delete