Reading Books, Growing Minds # Reason 1

Books for me are the true treasure-trove and knowledge trunks. You just open them and find inside them: knowledge, information and wisdom galore. I have always been fascinated by books on fiction, non-fiction, books on mind, body and soul, books on self help and building character. Library used to be my favorite place and books my favorite friends in my college days.

So today, I think I must share with you how I developed this habit of reading books and why reading books should be a habit that you should work on in 2015.

Reading_Bokks_ImageCredits: Google Images

Remembering my past, I can say I grew up watching my grandfather always reading and enjoying books. He was an English Teacher and retired as a Principal of Inter College. What is true for Jorge Luis Borges that “I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books,” holds true for my grandfather and one of my mentors, Prof PV Dhamija as well . I have never seen my grandfather retiring to his bed without reading a page or two from his favorite books. Books can be seen on his bed side, on his table, in his bag and on his shelves. Even at the age of 85, he seems to be enjoying his life with great books which till date are his best companions. And as Aristotle says that a child learns by imitations, so did I, I think. Second was the influence of my father. He was not a bookish man, but he loved reading biographies and autobiographies of Yogis and saints which were a regular part of his group discussions and meetings at home. And third and the most significant influence is of my subject English Literature which allowed me to read more and more and more and more. And the more I read, the more I realised how less I know. So, I tried to read more and more and more and more and inculcated this habit of reading more and more. And you know more and more.

So here is my #Reasons No. 1 for sharing why in 2015 we should start honing this habit of reading books.

Reading books make us a person of intellect says Ralph Waldo Emerson. To quote his words, “If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.” I do have come across few men of intellect, but have never been able to ask what books they read. However, it is through reading, I got the list of good reads by the men of intellect and influence.

Bill Gates, just visit  his blog and check his reading list, you will get the answer of his rare intellect. And yes, should I share with you how much Warren Buffett reads. He reads a lot. A lot means, a lot. He has been reported in The Week to spend 80% of his day reading and thinking. And yes, he reads almost 500 pages every day and reading is his second nature and his formula of getting smarter. “That’s how knowledge builds up, like compound interest,” he says. He seems to be seriously following the advice by Franklin that ” An investment in knowledge pays the highest interests.”

I cannot miss Oprah Winfry, who is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists and has been very well known for her Talk Show, The Oprah Winfry Show. Inspired by great books and  their authors she started on-air “Oprah Book Club” in 1996, the same year in which Google boys, Larry Page and Sergey Brin started their venture. They were Ph. D research scholars at Stanford University then, when they came across the idea of starting their venture Google in 1996. Their research involved voluminous reading of books, research papers and of course experimentation which led to the formation of a new technology called Page Rank. Rest we all know is the history.

If these people, with their minute to seconds scheduled can pick up reading a book and finish it, can’t we? Of course, we can.

If you still want to know more, here I go, a single book, Unto This Last by John Ruskin inspired Gandhi ji so much that he called it ‘ Sarvodaya’ and started following its teaching and just became Mahatma Gandhi. When Ray Bradbury, the famous American Novelist, was bullied by his fourth grade friends who tore his favorite comics strips  by Buck Rogers, he decided never to talk to those boys again and started his writing, he then, “Became a writer,” said Ray. JK Rowling, in an interview in The Scotsman in 2002, mentioned Elizabeth Goudge’s The Little White Horse as having more influence than any other book on Potter Series. Potter Series, as you all know, created history.

So what are you waiting for, go to a book shop or visit your college library or near by local library. If not, get something from Google,  it is always ready to help, or purchase something from Google Play. If you don’t want to invest, free books are also available. Borrow from your friends or your teachers. Just pick up your favorite book from the field of your interest and start today. Today means today. And yes try to finish it in a week or at least in a month, you will be a changed person after completing the book. I can guarantee and vouch for it. But first, pick up the book and read the book and I need’t tell you what you will become after reading that book.

Because in words of Confucius, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” And fourth, according to me, which combines all is by reading books, which is the sincerest.

Have Happy Reading Hours in 2015!

17 Comments

  • Ananya says:

    Admiring the dedication you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.
    It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed
    information. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site
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  • Devanshu says:

    Started from today onwards. And for me ,the most interesting way to gain something from is to read your blogs, as i find myself very much enthusiastic 😉 wen reading ur blogs pratibha singh ji (di).. Eagerly waiting for your next update…

    • Pratibha says:

      Thanks Devanshu. I just wish that each blog post of mine brings positivity and inspiration in my life and in the life of my near and dear ones like you.The next one is in its way!

  • Kriti agarwal says:

    Wow…I m speechless dear.I do not know how to express my feelings or my surprised reaction after reading your blogs.But really a great start from you and a positive inspiration for me n all…lots of love:)

    • Pratibha says:

      Thanks a ton dearie! These words of praise and encouragement from a close and dear friend like you is very important for me especially at this stage. Truly, many thanks and love to you too!

  • Dinesh Rai says:

    Its really a wonderful experience reading our one of the most dynamic friend…..wonderful job Pratibha. Keep going…..

    • Pratibha says:

      Thanks a lot Dinesh Sir!

      And I wish that you too could inspire all of us with your amazing and beautiful creations! Eagerly Awaiting for Your Mega Start!

  • Garima says:

    hi pratibha, i am not a good reader. but always think to start something good to read . i think your thoughts will be the best to read :).

    • Pratibha says:

      Thanks a lot Garima. I will consider myself very fortunate if I could motivate even a single person to read more or to create more. Many Thanks for reading and telling me things of great importance. Keep reading and keep telling!

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks for some other excellent article. Where else may anyone get that type of information in such an ideal approach of writing?
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  • Shailendra says:

    I always believed that sleep is good..but it seems to me that if I read few more of your blogs..I will land up admitting that reading is better 😀 …Nice initiative Ma’am …

    • Pratibha says:

      Sleep is definitely good, but just combine it with 30 minutes of reading and see the effect of this great combo. I am sure you would land up admitting that both these habits have changed your life in great ways! Many thanks for your best wishes dear. Be blessed always!

  • Vaibhav Bedi says:

    you are the best madam 🙂

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  • Mani says:

    After reading this blog I feel motivated…..Will definitely try to make books my good friend.
    I like reading books but only fiction, because I can easily draw the story as a movie.
    This time I will try to read something different……

    Keep the spirit on….

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