Why do you need to read books and who needs it? I understand that now, on the eve of the coming summer, few will look for the answer to this question. Summer involves more active recreation than reading books: walks on fresh air, warm sea, work for pleasure and not so much at the dacha, tourist trips... It is interesting that those people who love to read, in between these wonderful activities, will still find time to read a few pages from an interesting book. And those who don’t know what it means to love reading books may well want to learn about it closer to the onset of cold weather.

Every person understands perfectly well that reading develops one’s horizons, makes one think and analyze, and even increases intellectual abilities. But understanding is not enough; you still need to want to read books. IN modern world It is believed that reading books successfully replaces the Internet - more and more we find the information we need there and often use it as Great Encyclopedia. We are becoming less and less enthusiastic about the features of reading books from a computer.

Remember, it used to be a novelty that any book could be found on the Internet and read. Then, realizing that this was still an inconvenient process, they began to print out books and put the sheets in a folder... That was a long time ago... Then came the advent, which are very mobile, and actually help out in any situation, but for some reason something is always missing enough. Now we understand that there is not enough book in it original form and purpose.

Modern young people prefer the Internet and television to many things, and unfortunately, we will not be able to change them. We can only influence... By our example, by our attitude, by our views...

The story of a boy reading

I once had a chance to read a short story about a parent meeting at which the teacher “shouted” that the children did not read at all. All except one student. After the meeting, the parents attacked the boy’s mother with questions: “What are you doing to get your son to read?” The embarrassed mother explained that they weren’t doing anything like that, they were just reading as a family. “Well,” the parents began to become indignant, “what about the Internet and TV?”

— A child spends only as long as he needs on the Internet. It practically does not fit the TV. We do not prohibit or limit it in time. He regulates his time himself.

- Why is he drawn to books then? - the parents did not calm down, because they could not find the answer to their question.

- Well, what do you do in the evenings? — the mother of the reading boy asked the other parents.

- We? We have dinner, do homework, everything as usual.

- We're having dinner too. Only after dinner do we get together as a family and tell each other how the day went, what new things happened to each of us, what interesting things each of us learned over the past day.

- Can't be. “We don’t have enough time for this,” the parents retorted, realizing that after dinner everyone had the same picture: mothers are busy preparing homework with their children, and fathers are relaxing from working day on the sofa in front of the TV.

- It’s different with us. We talk not only about what happened on this day, but also share with each other stories about the books that each of us reads.

The moral of this story is this: the parents did not understand why only one student in the class loves and reads books. Did you get the idea, dear readers?

Only by our example can we educate both the good and the bad in our children. And there is no need to force anyone to do this - the skills instilled in the family with mother’s milk are passed on further, from family to family of subsequent generations.

Why do children grow up who don’t read?

Today I saw an interesting opinion about why the most reading nation grew up with non-reading children. What do you think about this? The opinion was that in those days when we read books under our pillows, there was a terrible book shortage, and it was impossible to get good book was equivalent to the art of getting a can of condensed milk and a kilogram of buckwheat. Yes, we read avidly, but, as the author of the article claims, this reading was superficial, and the range of books we read was meager. It is because of this that today we cannot instill a love of reading in our children and grandchildren.

Opinions differ, I cannot agree with the author, because I understand that there are a number of other reasons why some people do not like to read books. Agree that actions that we repeat periodically are habits. Reading is also a kind of good habit, and the lack of habit completely kills even the slightest interest that manifests itself in different time each of us.

1. We experience aesthetic pleasure. Yes, the feeling of turning pages can never be compared to anything else. By reading books on the Internet, or using e-book, we often catch ourselves thinking that there is a catch somewhere, and we are definitely missing something. You know, if you take a pear that looks ripe, but inside it turns out to have a different taste than we expected, disappointment sets in... So in the case of a book, you can’t fool your feelings.

2. Books should be read not only fiction. Very useful for the mind and the development of mental activity scientific literature. What scientific literature is can be easily defined: if you want to develop yourself in any specific activity, then everything that relates to this area and deepens your knowledge about it can be considered scientific literature. A joke, of course, but every joke has some truth. In general, scientific literature perfectly develops intuition, improves our personality and stimulates development. With the help of scientific books we learn about the world and understand it better.

3. Let's return to aesthetic pleasure. You have bookshelf? I dream of a beautiful and modern bookcase, and very soon this dream will come true)) I would like the books to be in one place. This dream may seem like child's play for real book lovers, but everyone starts somewhere. Think for a moment, if our families don’t have bookcases with good and interesting books, will our children have bookcases? This brings me to the question of how parenting by example works.

4. If you fill your personal bookstore bookshelf, I assure you, this is a very exciting activity. Try it yourself, check it out! Think about what books you should have, and I’ll tell you a little why these books should be in your home library.

Fiction improves writing and speaking skills.

Historical books help you understand life, understand all events, and make it easier to accept reality.

Poetry develops eloquence and sharpens language skills.

Philosophy perfectly develops our thinking, helps us understand human desires and needs, and teaches us to find interest and purpose in life.

Professional literature serves as the basis for further professional growth and acquiring the status of an expert in your field of activity.

The list can still be continued, but it’s already becoming interesting, what will my personal (family) library be like? Those books that will be in it are selected and chosen with interest in reading them, and not to display the beautiful spines of books on a bookshelf. When there are a lot of interesting books, there is always a desire to read the next book, and this interest is constantly fueled by anticipation.

If you haven’t received an answer to your question in this article, I recommend that you address it to several people whom you consider reading. Conduct a social survey and find the same answers. This will be the overall advantage and benefit of reading books.

By the way, you can follow the link about it and find out everything about the benefits we get from books. I will never tire of saying that those people who read speak better and write better. This is the foundation on which we can build other skills that make us more civilized, more educated and literate people of the 21st century.

Where can I find time for books?

The same place where you take it on vacation, chatting with friends, raising children, going to the movies, sports, and so on. In fact, time is a very flexible thing. But it all depends on your priorities.

So, for example, what do you do on your way to work? Do you listen to music or surf social networks? Or you can read 15-20 pages. Or what do you do before bed? Watch movies or TV series, don't let go of your phone? Here's time for another 20-30 pages. And so on.

Time - although it flies at incredible speed - can still be tamed. You will always find at least a few minutes a day to do what you like. And never carve out even a second for something that is not interesting to you. So, excuses away!

How to love books?

Some people find reading boring and unnecessary. Like, why read a book if you can watch a movie or generally do something more interesting. But more on that later. Now about love.
And love always begins suddenly and unexpectedly. At one glance, in our case - from one line. The main thing is to find “your” book, “your” line. Some people fall in love with reading from childhood, others have to spend more time on it. To find what you like, read different genres, choose small books. Try to start immediately with fifty pages to get involved.

We are sure that everyone has their own direction, their own author. Just don’t stop and don’t throw away your books if you come across something wrong!

Well, you know. It’s more interesting for us, why not read? After all, reading gives so many new discoveries and opportunities. A small book is a big door to the world of adventures and dramas, stories and stories, business advice and beautiful plots. But let's talk about the practical side:

By reading, you improve your own literacy, expand lexicon, make your speech richer and more beautiful. Well-read interlocutors always compare favorably with “speakers” who stopped at the Primer. You can get a lot of ideas from books. Moreover, not only from business literature. All situations and problems of humanity have long been described in thousands of books. Any situation you may find yourself in is not unique. Someone has probably already written about it, proposing a logical and least traumatic solution. Use other people's experiences to avoid your own mistakes. Books help you take your mind off things. From work, fatigue, boredom, fuss. A good novel, detective story or story will free your brain from unnecessary thoughts, help you relax and have fun. In truth, we can go on and on with this list. But the essence is the same - reading makes us better. And that's a fact.

What does reading books give a person? What advantages does reading have over other available leisure activities?

Surely, many of us have learned an unshakable truth since childhood - reading books is useful. But to whom and why is not entirely clear. What does reading books give to a person? What is their advantage over other sources of information? And, if it really exists, then why do people read so little now?

The modern world and the desire to walk (and sometimes run) in step with the times and fashion make adjustments to our lives. Whether we like it or not. And now it’s not uncommon to prefer an evening in front of the TV or a computer “shooter” to a dear volume of world classics. Yes and necessary information you can “fish out” from other sources - audio castes, films, media, various webinars, and just notes from the World Wide Web. In addition, there may simply not be enough time to read books, even with a great desire. So it turns out that nowadays, more and more often, people answer the question: “What book are you reading now?” They answer: “I don’t read books.” This is especially true for the younger generation, who literally from the maternity hospital are surrounded by many convenient gadgets.

Of course, it’s not for us to judge whether this is good or bad. Time does not stand still, and, rather, it can be argued that all changes are quite expected and natural. Agree, it’s quite strange to expect from modern schoolchild that he will sit and write an essay (by hand!) in the library, shoveling a mountain of literature. No, of course, he would rather enter the topic into a search engine, and kind Google will give him several almost finished works– take it, choose it, arrange it, and you’re done! Yes and world literature, most likely, he will read from the digest - there the same “War and Peace” was briefly interpreted in eight to ten pages, and it is immediately clear who is who and why. I read it and go ahead and take the exam. And if it worked once, then a second time, a third time... Do you think the child will see the meaning in reading the “originals” and will enjoy the process of reading books?

The question is controversial. On the one hand, positive illustrative examples“reading” relatives and friends can certainly arouse anyone’s interest in reading. And especially for a developing person. But what to do if in the library of your parents’ house there are only “ Russian-English dictionary" and "How to hammer a nail correctly"? And does the child see mom and dad reading glossy magazines and the yellow press at most? It is unlikely that he will show interest in world classics of literature, right?

And the phrase: “They should teach him at school!” - not an excuse. They will teach you, not a single schoolchild has ever received a certificate without knowing how to read in principle. But “to be able to” and “to actively use” are frankly different things. And especially in relation to books.

The older generation has its own legitimate “excuses.” The first and main thing is lack of time. Undoubtedly busy modern man very big. But there is only one “but” here - according to statistics, the most successful people read a lot. Always. Are you saying they are less busy than everyone else? This question is not here to offend or provoke anyone - no, this is just food for thought. And, as always, only you have the right to decide what to do with it.

What is it about reading books? Let's take a closer look..

Scientists identify 10 main reasons why reading books is a very useful and important activity for a person:

1. Improved imagination and increased creativity. When reading books, we ourselves draw a picture of everything that happens in the plot. Words take hold new life, transforming in our imagination. Sounds, images, smells are “pictured” in our heads readable history. Such exercises miraculously train the brain, namely its “creative muscles.”

In addition, reading “other people’s” works can provoke us to generate new ideas. It is not so important whether it is the idea to write some kind of work yourself or invent something new, or whether an idea will simply come as an impetus to solve a long-standing problem. The main thing is that these ideas can help change your life. And, perhaps, the lives of other people too.

2. Good mental health. According to scientists, reading can slow down and even prevent serious problems such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. And all because when reading, the brain is constantly in good shape, it is active, that is, in essence, this is the same exercise for it as physical training is for the body. Those people who have read a lot throughout their lives later begin to notice age-related declines in mental abilities and memory compared to their “non-reading” peers.

In addition, the rhythm and richness of the book can calm the psyche and help the body free itself from stress. This is especially relevant now, because a huge number of people experience stressful situations every day.

3. Confidence in yourself and your abilities. Researchers have found that reading books helps people become more confident. It is not surprising, because a well-read person is usually erudite, able to demonstrate fundamental knowledge in a particular area in a conversation, as a result of which he involuntarily begins to behave more collectedly and confidently, his self-esteem is at an adequate level.

4. Increasing vocabulary and improving overall literacy levels. There's probably no need for a long explanation here. When reading works of various genres, a person often encounters unfamiliar words and terminology that is usually not used in everyday communication. You can look up the meaning of a word in a dictionary, or you can simply understand it from the context.

5. Good dream. According to researchers, systematically reading pleasant literature before bed can improve sleep. And this is understandable, because the body gets used to this regime, and soon reading becomes a signal for the body that bedtime is approaching. In addition, after such a soft fall asleep, you will be much more alert in the morning.

6. Improved attention and ability to concentrate. In the modern world, we are accustomed to constantly combining several things, dividing attention between the Internet, telephone, communication with other people and a host of other things. But thanks to this division, the quality of a particular process is often lost, and the ability to concentrate on one single particularly important matter is lost. When reading, we must concentrate on the content of the book, without being distracted by everything else. In addition, reading books helps develop objectivity and the ability to make informed decisions.

7. Development of memory and thinking. According to scientists, people who regularly read books, at least for one hour a day, train and improve their memory. Naturally, every day they remember some new information for themselves. Those who are exposed to the same environment, information and ideas every day do not train their memory, and, therefore, are not able to remember more.

In addition, to understand the book and further unfold the plot, you need to remember many things: the characters’ characters, their relationships, and other details. This greatly trains both memory and thinking. When reading a book, we tend to think more and imagine many details: appearance characters, their clothes, surrounding the stop. All this helps us to fully understand the very idea of ​​the work, to get a “taste” of it. Reading books develops analytical thinking. People who read see and identify patterns many times faster than “non-readers.” Thanks to reading books, our mind becomes sharper, stronger and faster, brain connections are strengthened, and intelligence in general increases.

8. Development of sociability and empathy. Reading books also improves our speech skills; the ability to beautifully, clearly and clearly express our thoughts in words appears. The talent of a storyteller increases, communication becomes simpler and easier. People who read have a much better chance of becoming interesting conversationalists and impressing people than those who don't list reading as one of their favorite things to do. Of course, because the former always have many new topics for conversation, drawn from literature.

In addition, reading can instill in a person a tendency to empathize with other people. There is a unique chance to “walk in the shoes” of another person, to look at the world through his eyes, to see his feelings and thoughts. Even (and even more so) if his world is very different from yours. A person who reads stops looking at everything that happens from one point - he becomes able to better feel others and empathize with them.

9. Expanding your horizons. Of course, books can give a person a huge amount of new knowledge! The world of a non-reader is usually small. After all, any other sources of information, even more popular ones, are capable of providing small grains of all the knowledge that is around you. Reading books reveals to a person all the greatness of the world, as it really is.

People who don't like to read books live only one life - their own. Book lovers have free access to a huge number of lives of real and fictional characters, can live with them their feelings and experience everything that they experienced. There is a unique chance to learn from the life experiences and lessons of other people. This in no way interferes with acquiring your own experience - on the contrary, by observing cause-and-effect relationships in a particular work, you can prevent yourself from making mistakes.

Also, reading books is the second most informative way (after travel) to learn about the culture and life of other peoples and countries. Reading literature about different countries helps to open, in fact, new world, here, in your cozy chair, without crossing the threshold of your home.

10. Self improvement. Among other things, reading books can help a person understand himself and learn a lot of new things about himself. He can find unexpected solutions and take a fresh look at his life. Putting yourself in the place of the hero of the work and asking yourself the question: “What would I do in the place of this character?”, You can get an unexpected answer. And often you even get a hint on practical aspects of behavior.

By reading books, a person over time forms his own worldview, his view of the world deepens and expands, values, beliefs and principles are revised and formed. Many books can motivate and inspire self-realization, improving oneself, and increasing one’s results. In addition, a person who reads remains young for a long time - after all, old age begins with the aging of the brain, and this does not threaten a keen reader!

Of course, here we have named only the most popular reasons that motivate a person to read books. Surely you have your own secrets about this. Maybe you just love this meditative state, close to weightlessness, when you are absorbed interesting work. Or you're looking for plot ideas for your new book. Everyone finds their own reasons that are important to them. The main thing is that the book brings joy and pleasure, gives strength and a taste of magic. Isn't this a miracle invented for the benefit of all mankind?

Anna Kutyavina

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Reading is fun, it's trendy, and it's good for you. There are many reasons why you should read, but here are just the ones based on science.

1. Reading makes you a better person

Not one, but two (parallel) studies have found that reading actually makes you the best person– more caring and sensitive towards other people. In 2013, Emory University conducted a study that compared the brains of people after they read, compared to people who didn't read. Using brain scans, they found that reading actually makes you visualize it in some way and even feel it (this explains why it's popular - you can feel the emotions in a book).

But that's not all - psychologists David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano, at the new school social research in New York, proved that reading fiction improves the ability to identify and understand the emotions of others, an important skill in managing complex social relationships.

2. Reading reduces stress

The reason why most kids don't want to read is because they should be reading - it pretty much ruins all the fun, doesn't it? Dr. David Lewis, one of the pioneers of neuroscience, reported that reading reduces stress levels by 68% and significantly lowers heart rate. In comparison, walking reduces stress levels by 42 percent.

Immersion in another world reduces stress and calms us, even after we've finished reading. A study found that six minutes of reading is enough to significantly reduce stress.

3. Reading makes you smarter

It should be a no brainer: reading makes you smarter. A 2013 study found that children who read for pleasure do better in school than their peers, according to a study conducted by the Institute of Education.

Oddly enough, reading for pleasure is more important for cognitive development children. But what's even more interesting is that reading not only helps children become better at spelling and literature - it also helps them in areas like math. According to researchers, the ability to receive and process information is very important - and reading helps.

4. Reading is good for your relationship

We couldn't find any peer-reviewed studies that actually support this, but many scientists share this opinion. In particular, psychotherapist Ken Page said that reading the same books and then discussing them together can do wonders for your relationship.

Ella Berthoud, a bibliotherapist at the School of Living in Bloomsbury, London, said, “one of the joys of [reading together] is that you discover new aspects of each other, or you may find a connection.” And not only in your current relationship can reading help, but also in your search for a relationship.

5. Reading makes you a better speaker.

Again, it’s a no brainer: reading will help you expand your vocabulary. And although there is a lot in this common sense, Canadian researchers confirmed this in a study published in 2001. Who would have thought that reading all these buzzwords would allow you to learn and use unusual words?

6. Reading prevents Alzheimer's disease

Staying active (mentally) is generally one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from Alzheimer's disease. Another study published in 2001 found that older adults who regularly read or play mentally challenging games, are much less likely to develop the disease.

This is a great exercise for your gray matter– just as you have to keep your body in shape, your mind has to work too.

7. Reading keeps your brain sharp

Reading not only makes you smarter, but it can keep your mind sharp. A study in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, says that reading is very important throughout a person's life, from childhood to old age. People who read continuously throughout their lives demonstrate significantly better memory and mental abilities at all stages of life.

It always surprises me when someone says, “I don’t read books.” Yes, there are many things in the world that occupy our time - movies, video games, media. But you should still find time to read. If you don't read books, you're missing out.

1. Reading improves imagination and creativity

When we read, we give new life to the written words - they are transformed in our imagination. We reintroduce the sights, sounds, and smells of a fascinating story. And this work develops the “creative muscles” of our brain - and there are few places where you can find such effective exercises.

2. Improved intelligence

Despite all the achievements modern technology, reading remains the best way to learn and retain information. Those who read more become smarter. They filled their heads with information that others do not have and would not have without books.

3. Reading can change your life

Some books can change your life in ways you might not expect. Books like The Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, and Flowers for Algernon made me see the world differently. These books had a profound effect on me, and I was changed by reading each of them. This is the power of reading - a journey into yourself, and not just through a fascinating plot. Just like after a trip, after such books, you are no longer the same as before.

4.Readers are sexy

According to research, women consider smart guys sexier than those with average intelligence. Intelligence is one of the most sought-after qualities that women look for in men. So, single guys, check out the bookstore!

5. The ability to empathize

It's hard to imagine yourself in someone else's shoes, especially if their world is very different from yours.
Reading – great way“look into another person’s head”, find out his thoughts and feelings. Instead of looking at life from one point, you can look at the world through different eyes!

6. Wisdom

Every time you open a book, you fill your head with knowledge, facts, opinions, stories. Reading is like a continuous delivery of information. Along with this information, the reader also receives experience. Books are stories about someone's life lessons, about experiences gained. This is an opportunity for you to understand how the world works. By reading books, you become wiser.

7. Self-improvement

The more you read, the wider your vocabulary. It’s not surprising - after all, you regularly come across so many words in different books that you soon begin to use them yourself. Everyday life. Good readers are usually good writers themselves. Any successful writer will tell you that to improve your writing skills, you need to read every day. Moreover, reading helps improve self-confidence. It can help you in many areas of life such as social relations or promotion.

8. Improved thinking skills

Reading enhances analytical thinking. People who read identify patterns faster than people who don't read. Reading makes your mind sharper and strengthens the synapses in your brain, because it also trains your memory. In other words, your brain gets stronger and faster because you read.

9. Improved attention and concentration

Most of us are accustomed to “multitasking” and have learned to divide our attention between TV, the Internet, telephone and a lot of other things. But this way we lose the ability to focus on one important thing at the right time. Reading a book improves your ability to concentrate. After all, the book itself requires full concentration, because if you are distracted, you lose the thread of the story.

10. People who read have a better chance of success.

Probably you can find successful people who don't read books. But it's difficult. Remember famous scientists, businessmen, writers, politicians. If they all have a common interest, it is reading.

11. Generating ideas

Ideas are a powerful engine. Scientific and technical achievements are based on them. They solve world problems and cure diseases. Ideas can change our lives. When you read, you get many new thoughts. These thoughts swirl around in your head - and help you create your own amazing idea.

12. Reading will help you set your priorities correctly.

Reading opens up new possibilities for you. You will read about new adventures, a different way of life - about different things that you had never even thought about before. Perhaps you will think about it and realize that you want to change your life and set other goals for yourself. And what is important in your life is not at all what you previously put in first place.

13. Live multiple lives

People who don't read can only live their own lives. Readers have access to many, many lives - real or fictional characters. We can feel what they felt, experience what they experienced.
Our own life experiences make us stronger and wiser. But if you only live one life, you are depriving yourself of other people's experiences and lessons from their lives.

14. Improved mental health

Just like the muscles in the body, the brain needs a boost to stay healthy and strong. Research has shown that mental activities such as reading can slow down (or even prevent) Alzheimer's disease and dementia. And people who read a lot during their lives experience much later age-related decline in memory and mental abilities, compared to those who did not like to read.

15. Around the world without leaving home

Travel is the most The best way learn other peoples and cultures. And the second best way is reading. It can open up a whole new world for you - right outside your doorstep. A lot of books have been written about different countries, you can read about any corner globe and get to know life different nations with the help of books.

16. Improved physical health

We usually read in silence, alone with ourselves. When you are captivated by a good book, you are in a state close to meditation. Reading is relaxing and calming. The result is a reduction in stress and normalization of blood pressure. People who read suffer less from mood disorders.

17. More topics to talk about

The more you learn about new topics, stories, and opinions, the easier it becomes to strike up conversations. After all, you have an endless source of new discussion material at your fingertips!

18. Explore yourself

Have you heard the expression “lost in a book”? Reading is an active process, and you yourself are actively involved in it, as if participating in the action. You can learn a lot about yourself through reading. For example, you may ask yourself what you would do if you were in the book's place. And the answer may surprise you.

19. Expand your horizons

If you don't read, then your world is small. You only know a small fraction of what is happening around you. Reading will reveal to you how big the world really is. There are many subjects that I knew nothing about. It was only when I started reading about them that I realized how little I knew before!

Thousands of books are printed every month. Add to this blog posts and magazine articles. You can always find something to suit your taste among this variety. Moreover, now there is nothing easier than becoming a reader. Libraries are everywhere - and they are free! Now there are digital copies of books, which means you don’t even have to go to the library.

So, given all the benefits of reading listed, there is no reason not to read.