Books: Why They Are The Most Important Visual Media

 Books:

Why

They

Are

The

Most

Important

Visual

Media

By

Andrew Johnston

I won't lie. I avoided reading for a good portion of my life. Reading was something done when necessary and often to pass a class. This changed in my mid-twenties and then my interest in the written word skyrocketed. I began to pay attention more and this is what I found. 

It has become all too noticeable that Americans read less. It's unfortunately true! You have only to check the Bureau of Labor. They say reading for leisure has declined in the last twenty years. We can point to several factors, specifically social media and streaming services. Social media and streaming services require less focus and shorten your attention span.

This article isn't so much about the decline of reading and literacy in America. Its about how critical reading is for the mind and soul. I'll cover the mind first because it controls your fate. It determines choices.

I heard it said when writing my first book that nonfiction out sells fiction. This is statistically true. However it is completely the norm for people to lean toward fiction. They want to be entertained. I believe people need a fifty-fifty split. Read a history or self help book and something about say a fantasy world or detective. The focus should be more on the nonfiction book though. I recommend something from a different perspective than your own.

Reading from multiple perspectives can help with critical thinking. It provides an infinite amount of avenues to choose. You're given the ability to draw your own conclusions. Ultimately, when you hear someone speak at length on a topic you'll possess a solid foundation beneath you. I remain an independent politically. This came about after reading from authors I did and didn't agree with. It allowed for a flexible belief system.  

  How does this relate to books being the most important visual media? Reading helps you form the choices that will ultimately affect your future. Your future is personal, political, and if left uninformed difficult.

Your Soul!

This is where we dive head first into fiction. Many books have a way of speaking to your soul. The struggle of characters and the miracles of their worlds can inspire hope. Both the characters and their worlds have a way to unburden you. Sometimes you read about the relationships in a story and relate to them. I'm a fantasy author who focuses on immersion. To be immersed in a book can provide the escape needed from daily troubles. All of this is important for your soul because not reading books can leave an emptiness.

And no one wants to feel empty inside.