Let me begin by saying I don’t believe it’s true. That we’ve stopped reading. I don’t believe that with the onslaught of lightning fast, multitask technology we have simply become too ADD to read a book. I don’t believe that if it can’t be said in a Twitter note, no one cares. That if we can’t download it for free to our iPhones, we don’t have the time or inclination.
Now, more than ever, we need books. We owe it to ourselves. We need to unplug, curl up, and let someone else do the driving. We need to remind our brains they can pay attention to just one thing for more than 20 seconds. Research shows the brain needs a book the same way the body needs a massage, to relax while simultaneously becoming stronger and healthier. A book is yoga for the brain, it keeps the mind flexible and young.
Plus, it’s cheap entertainment. Most books cost less than 20 bucks. Compare that to how much it costs to spend an hour or two at a restaurant, or a night of drinking and dancing. And think how much longer it lasts. And, because the subject is bound to come up, free downloads aren’t really free. It is well documented by now that these things come with a price: spyware of all flavors and a loss of control over your computer, your internet service, and even your personal and financial privacy, just to name a few.
Everyone knows that knowledge is power. The avid readers I know are generally the most self-assured, empowered, and interesting people in my life. I could go on, but I think you get the point. And you’re wasting valuable time here. Go buy a book, sit down at your nearest couch, park bench or cafe, and get started.
Namaste,
Thomas Lloyd Qualls
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Buy the novel, Waking Up at Rembrant's" now:
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