Rediscovering the Joy of Reading Through Fictions
My family has always had a strong literary influence on me, and it was woven into the fabric of my early life. Before video games, the internet, and the ever-captivating world of social media, I used to take fascinating mental journeys. These excursions would take me far away, where I could immerse myself in R.A. Kosasih’s astounding depiction of the Mahabharata’s epic tapestry. Alternatively, I would embark on adventures with the heroic heroes of Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five books. And, who could forget the captivating world of Middle Earth, lovingly crafted by Tolkien’s imaginative mind, into which I was swept away?Or I’d dive headfirst into Harry Potter’s magical wizarding world, a place that has captivated millions of readers. Each book I read took me on an exciting adventure that I would gladly repeat.
“Reading was a joy, a desperately needed escape — I didn’t read to learn, I was reading to read.” — Christian Bauman
Reading proved to be a source of enormous joy, providing much-needed relief from life’s challenges. I didn't read for the sake of knowledge; rather, I read for enjoyment.
The precise point of transition escapes me, but my collection of fictional works gradually transformed into a collection of nonfictional books. This varied collection encompasses the realms of self-improvement guides, popular psychological treatises, sociopolitical assessments, and rudimentary philosophical musings, all of which have been cleverly transformed to fit the modern atmosphere. The resulting mash-up flawlessly interweaves the genres of self-help and popular psychology, endowed with a sophisticated air thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of historic philosophical aphorisms.
In my twenties, I sadly gave up the simple pleasure of reading solely for leisure. In my never-ending quest for knowledge, I have consistently explored opportunities for personal advancement, even during periods when formal education was unavailable. I remained firm in my commitment to self-improvement, whether I was scanning the pages of self-improvement literature or absorbing any content that claimed to improve my efficiency. My enthusiasm for the written word eventually diminished dramatically. When tranquility and calm were only a page-turn away, I would ensconce myself in the embrace of a book, traveling on imaginative excursions that once captured my youthful spirit. Unfortunately, the passage of time has relegated this beloved activity to the boundaries of my desk, where I now diligently examine material that gives insight on productivity, mental stability, and skill within the scope of my professional endeavors.
Engaging in the act of reading, traditionally regarded as a leisurely pursuit, has undergone a notable transformation, evolving into a burdensome task for many individuals. In a rather unrefined manner, I find myself succumbing to the demands of the contemporary world, wherein a ceaseless barrage of messages attempts to peddle notions of self-improvement and optimal functionality, all in service of perpetuating the relentless machinery of capitalism.
But now, I am running to fiction again
When you read a lot of self-help books, you can’t help but notice that there are some ideas that keep coming up over and over again. In a strange twist of irony, this task doesn’t help in the way that was expected. Instead, it makes people feel like they aren’t good enough because they didn’t immediately reach the highest level of personal greatness. Don’t get the wrong idea about how I feel, because I love nonfiction writing and have gotten a lot of pleasure from a few works. To be honest, I got the most enjoyment from Michael Singer’s enlightening masterpiece “The Untethered Soul,” the deep writings of Thich Nhat Hanh, and the timeless knowledge in the Bhagavad Gita.
I recently completed not only one but two distinguished books: the illustrious compilation of H.P. Lovecraft’s Selected Stories and the timeless masterpiece penned by Kate Chopin, The Awakening. Both sources of entertainment provide me with an overwhelming sense of delight, as they effortlessly whisk me away to various realms and alternate dimensions. In the vast expanse of literary landscapes, from the enigmatic realms of Lovecraft’s imaginative universe to the distant epochs meticulously depicted in Chopin’s literary masterpiece, The Awakening, the realm of fiction beckons me with its irresistible allure. Within its pages, I find solace in transcending the confines of my mundane existence, embarking on extraordinary odysseys that transport me to uncharted territories of the human experience. In the realm of literary exploration, I am afforded the unique opportunity to traverse a vast landscape of diverse perspectives and bear witness to the boundless wonders that spring forth from the depths of the human imagination. It is through the lens of fictional characters that I am able to embark upon this captivating journey, immersing myself in their rich narratives and gaining invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of our shared human experience.
Bringing back reading for joy
In a time when digital media dominates and short attention spans are common, it is impossible to overstate the profound relevance of engaging with works of fiction. Aside from its inherent entertainment value, fiction provides a plethora of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits that profoundly improve our lives. It provides an exciting opportunity to explore the depths of our creative powers, cultivate a profound sense of compassion, and strengthen our cognitive prowess. Let us extol the great pleasure received from immersing ourselves in fiction’s storylines in an age when its attractiveness is undiminished. This enduring gem, with its ability to shape us into humans of greater wisdom and empathy, merits our undying dedication to its preservation.
In a society where constant productivity is typically demanded, it is critical to remember that not every activity must serve a practical purpose. Reading, in particular, provides a relief from the stresses of everyday life, allowing us to decompress and rediscover the pure delight of turning page after page.
