Reading books is good, if you want to learn about something. Is it always good? Could it inhibit your thinking by providing you a generally accepted pre-conceived view of the world? Imagine Galileo reading books in the 15th century, learning that the Earth in the centre of our solar system and that Sun and other planets revolve around it?
(I don't like to read Philosophy (many of my friends suggested reading x or y), for the same reason; though I’m delighted to discuss Philosophy. Maybe I'm being an ignorant daft.)
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6 comments:
I am sure Galileo must have read books learning that Earth is the centre of the Universe. But he found evidence to the contrary and he did not let himself be 'inhibited' by whatever the books said
sandy,
Allow me to rephrase the argument. I can't say reading books is bad, that cannot be true. But, is it always good?
saket
No it's of course not always good. I can't think of a single activity that can realistically be labelled always good for everybody. What happened to your shades of grey argument? :)
I read quite a lot. I do often find it difficult and tiring though, and consequently stop every few pages, providing an opportunity to think about the book in question. Usually takes me months to finish a book. That doesn't mean I'm not being indoctrinated though!
saket,
was going to reply to your comment but found that robin had already stated my thoughts.
You are asking the wrong question. Reading is neither good nor bad...it is simply reading. What you do with the information is what matters, and the point that could be considered good or bad. It is therefore a subjective question.
Personally (subjectively) I consider reading IS always good, as it can only add to your overall knowledge of the world. Again, whether you let yourself be tainted or constrained by what read is up to you, but having a broad knowledge and exposure to reading is the only way you can form an opinion.
Chris, thanks for your comment (first ever blog comment!). I completely agree with the distinction b/w reading and interpretation. But both of these are in conscious mind, what about the sub-conscious mind? Or, does the sub-conscious mind not get influenced by such things?
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