TürkçeThere are certain types of people we all come across. They don’t enjoy reading books and have never developed the habit of reading. They don’t read even a single page in a month, yet their mouths are full of criticism. They often ask one question: What’s the point of reading books? So, does reading books benefit us? And if it does, how should we read them?
In this article, I’ll share all of this with you. There are countless benefits to reading books, and these benefits become apparent when you reflect on them.
And let me tell you, you don’t need to be a scholar to figure this out. After all, our teachers at school have already explained why we should read books. They explain it, but that’s as far as it goes. Unfortunately, we fall short when it comes to putting it into practice. They preach about how useful and beautiful reading is, but they fail to serve as role models. Many people know the benefits of reading, but this knowledge remains superficial. It doesn’t sink in, and they never develop the habit of reading. However, how to create that habit is a topic for another day.
There’s a saying I love to use: Reading is not something you do solely for its benefits. First, you need to fully grasp this before starting. If someone is reading just for the sake of its benefits, they can leave this article now—it’s not for them. But for those who want to learn why and how a book should be read, let’s continue.
The Power of Reading: Enhancing Critical Thinking
First and foremost, reading books enhances our critical thinking skills. It deepens our understanding and broadens our minds. Those who read regularly are better at analyzing situations and providing diverse perspectives. Students, for instance, solve various questions throughout their academic lives. Yet some struggle to even understand the questions. The reason is obvious: they haven’t read enough books. Expecting someone who hasn’t read beyond a few elementary-level books like Cin Ali to excel at complex comprehension is, quite frankly, absurd.
Later, these individuals end up reading only to pass exams, struggling with paragraph-based questions. They expect years of cognitive development to occur overnight. But books work gradually—they nurture our ability to think critically over time. For those who want to strengthen their reasoning skills, reading is essential.
Stimulating Imagination
Reading also enhances our imagination. This is especially true for genres like science fiction and fantasy. Some people dismiss these genres as unimportant or frivolous, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Imagination plays a crucial role in our lives and is closely tied to creativity. Creativity, in turn, is vital for many professions. By reading a variety of books, we enrich our imagination, which can become a significant asset.
Expanding Perspectives
Another major benefit of reading is that it broadens and transforms our perspectives. Every book is written by a unique individual, reflecting their own thoughts and worldview. Each author represents a different universe, and their works inevitably carry a piece of them. Reading books by diverse authors and from various genres expands our horizons.
I’ve noticed that people who either don’t read or stick to only one type of book often have a narrow mindset. They tend to be more rigid in their thinking. On the other hand, those who read widely and frequently develop tolerance and become more open-minded. They learn to approach events from multiple angles and find innovative solutions to problems.
Building Vocabulary
Books also enrich our vocabulary. It’s no secret that the average person uses a limited number of words daily. However, those who read regularly use a more diverse range of words. I’ve often observed people excessively relying on the word thing. They’ll start explaining something but can’t find the right word because they simply don’t know it. Their thoughts get stuck in their heads, unable to reach the listener.
Books are a treasure trove of words you might not know. A rich vocabulary allows you to express your thoughts more effectively.
Increasing Reading Speed
Reading regularly also significantly improves your reading speed. Faster reading saves time and makes comprehension easier. Reading too slowly can hinder understanding, while regular readers can absorb information more efficiently.
Acquiring Knowledge
Books are a reservoir of knowledge. Perhaps their most significant benefit is the sheer amount of information they hold. Learning new concepts and ideas can be incredibly enjoyable, and the knowledge you gain often proves useful in unexpected ways. After all, knowledge is power. Those who read extensively are, in a sense, powerful.
Books as Friends
As clichéd as it may sound, books truly are great companions. They help us connect with ourselves and spend quality time alone. Everyone should occasionally engage in this activity. It’s especially delightful on rainy days!
How to Read Effectively
The way you read can greatly impact how much you benefit from it. Here are a few tips:
- Choose the Right Genre: Start by selecting a genre you genuinely enjoy. Have you read enough of this type before?
- Find the Right Environment: This varies from person to person. Some prefer reading in bed, while others like a desk.
- Know Your Reading Speed: If you’re unaware of your reading speed, measure it. Reading too slowly can hinder focus and comprehension.
- Avoid Subvocalization: Don’t repeat the words in your head as you read. Instead, let your eyes scan the text. Your brain will process it—trust me.
- Annotate: Keep a pencil handy to underline sentences you find meaningful or intriguing. Reflect on these passages.
- Don’t Stop Midway: When you feel tired, finish a paragraph or chapter before putting the book down. This makes it easier to pick up where you left off.
- Read Multiple Books: Try reading two or three books at the same time. Switch between them when you lose interest in one.
- Review What You’ve Read: Once you’ve finished a book, reflect on it. How was the language? What was the message? What did you learn? Discuss the book with others or write a brief review to solidify your thoughts.
Finally, live the book. Absorb its essence. Only then can you truly say, I’ve read this book.
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