The Importance Of Reading

Some individuals grasped the writing aspect of the equation immediately.  When we write, we have the power to choose our words and how we convey them, steering the reader in any direction we desire.  Writing—if you really ponder it—is merely a collection of inky marks on a page.  Lines and dots.  However, if we strategically utilize those lines and dots, we can effectively implant ideas in our reader’s mind.  We can guide and influence what our reader envisions and how they react.  Richard Nash provided a wonderful analogy for this idea in his talk: “Our words are hours that we can take up inside someone’s head.”

I don’t know about you, but I find that to be a significant concept (and not something to be taken lightly).

But what about the reading aspect?  How can reading serve as an act of defiance?  Some individuals may read to gather information or to understand what the author is conveying, and that’s perfectly acceptable.  Yet, the moment you recognize that everything the writer does with their words is fundamentally an act of manipulation—a means of occupying space in your mind—then you can begin to read like a revolutionary.  All it requires is awareness, understanding that the writer is employing some sleight of hand tricks and attempting to steer your thoughts in one direction or another.  Once you become conscious of this manipulation, you can take a step back and choose whether you want to be guided.

And as soon as you make that choice, you’ve transformed into a rebel.  You’re resisting the system.  You’re Reading.