The Benefits of Reading - Essay Example

Full The Benefits of Reading Some people are privileged enough to go around the world to see the many beautiful places and meet different wonderful people, learn from many cultures, and improve themselves in the process. Some entertain themselves in various ways which could cost them a lot of money. Different kinds of people engage in diverse activities either for entertainment, learning, exercise or any other reason depending on their interests and budget. Personally, I do have a list of various activities but one of my favorite hobbies is reading.

I love reading different kinds of books. Sometimes, I read short articles especially when I do not have much time to spare. Short essays that one can read in one sitting are very informative. They are often written meticulously because of the time and space that writers consider in making their articles. I like to read about nutrition and technology. With the many diseases that people are exposed to every day, one has to know how to take care of his or her self that is why I want to be well-informed about the things I can do to boost my immune system and be able to escape the dangers of sickness.

Technology is also an important subject I am always interested in. The technological advancements rapidly change daily so it is vital that I get informed about these. I consider it an important matter to be updated with the technological changes because it is undeniable that it is the modern means of improving one’s life regardless of the profession. Being informed also makes one able to relate to the people we deal with. For instance, I may not have the latest gadget on the market but when I am speaking with friends and classmates, I can understand the subject when they are talking about technological advancements.

I would not feel lost at all. Sometimes, when I have more time to read, I choose novels for recreation. Sidney Sheldon and John Grisham are my favorite authors. Their works do not just inform me but they also entertain. I love the way they weave their stories into a beautiful masterpiece that often leaves me wondering how they came up with such ideas. Sometimes, when I watch movies based on novels, I find myself favoring the written stories because they have elements that are better than the movies.

The feelings and thoughts of the characters are more defined through the words used in the written form than through the portrayal of actors. My imagination is also exercised when I read novels. Watching presents all the actions, conversations, and descriptions of characters and settings through what a viewer sees. Watching does not require a lot of thinking in contrast to reading so that when I read, there is more mental activity that occurs. Moreover, my vocabulary is improved when I read it.

Sometimes, a word is used repeatedly in a novel and I can get different meanings through the different ways it is used, even without looking up the dictionary. The way the sentences are constructed also help me improve my communication skills. Sometimes, when I like a phrase, sentence, or idea, I deliberately use them in my conversations with my family and friends. This does not just make me look bright, it also keeps me challenged to read more and improve myself more. They say one can go to many places through reading.

It is true. I have learned a lot about many places through what I read. The vivid descriptions of authors often make me imagine and feel like I am in the setting, watching the events being described. I can feel the heat of the sun on my skin as I bask on the beach in the Caribbean on Christmas day although I really never went there yet. I can smell and taste the exotic Asian dishes at a restaurant where I cannot understand a word being uttered by the customers around me. In addition, I meet a lot of different people also.

I have become more critical of the different attitudes and characters of people because reading has opened my eyes to their existence. My exposure may be limited to family, friends, classmates, and a few strangers but I am aware of the different kinds of people that may help me become a better person or that may destroy my personality. As such, I have become more careful with the people I deal with although I do my best not to be judgmental or very cautious. I get a lot of wisdom by reading. There are so many benefits of reading that is why it is a favorite activity for me.

Perhaps, if I were asked what I would choose to do during the last twenty-four hours of my life, I would like to read. I will read all the novels that will bring me to places I never read before, meet more people and eat more dishes even if it is just through my imagination. Of course, I would love to experience also the things that I read about and that is perhaps one of the reasons why I keep on reading. I am always challenged to know more about different people and places so that when the time comes when I can financially afford, with much time to spare, I will visit those places I just read about.

For now, I guess I still have a lot to learn.