Why Books? 8 Reasons Books are Absolutely Necessary for a Happy Life
1. Broaden your perspective
There are people all over the world, real and imagined, doing similar things but in a very different way and for different reasons. There are just as many ways to do things as there are people. So…billions.
2. Consider other opinions and lifestyles
Sometimes I get stuck in my head. Actually—strike that. I get stuck in my head most of the time. Reading helps me step out of my head and into someone else’s, and often, my problems, preoccupations and stresses are diluted when I immerse myself in someone else’s, real or imagined.
3. Build connection
There’s one thing all humans share and that’s hard to find in a very large world such as ours: emotion. We all get sadness, happiness, fear, joy. When we read about real or imaginary people’s experiences, the world gets a little smaller. We’re not alone, even if the person you’re reading about doesn’t exist in Reality because a Real Person wrote that character. (Note: Authors are real people.)
4. Brain exercise
Give your brain a little stretch here, a little stretch there by making it work to learn new words, visualize new places, use its very brilliant system to create new possibilities and solve problems. All of it equals excellent brain fitness routines.
5. Creativity
Creativity sparks creativity, right? You’ve experienced that when listening to music, strolling through an art gallery, or watching an inspiring performance. Also…nature is creativity at its finest and creativity make world perfectly magical.
6. Explore new parts of the world
Can’t travel? Read! You can go anywhere for $0. There are no layovers, no cancelled flights, no engine troubles, crowds, or unforeseen expenses—only immediate teleportation to anywhere you want to explore.
7. Go back in time…or forward
Learn from the past and consider what’s best for the future. Universal decisions made between the pages of a book. Oh, the power!
8. Take a break from Reality
We all need time to unwind and there’s no better way to escape reality than to momentarily step into someone else’s. You might even find you prefer yours after all…
So this January, go get books! Lots of them—from the library, on your Kindle, in audio form, from bookstores and little libraries and friends’ bookshelves. Read widely and constantly and you, too, shall take over the world.
Oh. Yeah—bonus benefit: taking over the world. Readers, unite!