KBS - Know Bit of Somethings
The Art of Reading: A Deeper Dive
Is there truly an "art of reading"? Isn't reading a practical skill, mastered in early education? If you know the words and can make sense of the sentences, what more is there to it? To answer these questions, we must delve into the history and science of reading, and explore the nuances between everyday reading and artful reading.
Have we lost our Reading skills? The answer is “yes”
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” (JK Rowling)
In my profession as a trainer teacher, I have met many well-educated people of all walks of life but when I asked them what book they had read in the last one year none of them was able to recall a single book they had read but all of them believe reading is worthwhile and they should read more. Older people read more than other age groups, but even they are very slow. Now I wonder the amount of time on an average of five to six hours spent daily on digital media makes me think that we have lost the Art of reading. Many people believe technology has detrimental effects on reading.
Let’s look at what we are forfeiting
If you don’t read you’ll lose how to negotiate life amidst struggles and hectic work schedules and also means of sharpening minds and shaping character. We may even lose crucial aspects of our spiritual lives.
The most important casualty is the loss of meaningful leisure. As humans, we need rhythms of work and rest, both of which good. Reading refreshes more deeply than leisure activities that fail to engage the mind and imagination.
Reading helps us to transcend ourselves beyond the existing mundane problems. Immersing ourselves in the reading experience lifts our minds above self-centered thoughts and concerns to focus on other people, or large themes, or even deep spirituality.
Not reading, we lose contact with the wisdom and enrichment from the past. The voice of the past speaks with a stabilizing influence into the tyranny of the secular and politically-correct present.
Another loss is our failure to connect with essential human experience. Our understanding of enduring values, norms for living, and self-identity concepts. Rejecting connections with the past and essential human experience prevents our participation in civilization’s ongoing conversation.
These disconnections contribute to our loss of an enlarged vision. C. S. Lewis writes that “we seek an enlargement of our being. We want to be more than ourselves. . . . We want to see with other eyes, to imagine with other imaginations, to feel with other hearts, as well as our own.” Dismissing literature’s vast sweep of viewpoints and experiences limits our outlook and stunts our spirits.
Not reading also results in the loss of a primary means of edification. Some literature affirms your faith, while a larger body embodies truth congruent with it. Even literature contradicting your beliefs can edify the believer who sees through its despairing unbelief to our joyful hope in our Faith. Failing to read prevents new avenues of edification.
The decline of reading has impoverished our culture and individual lives. In the process, we lose our capacity to discern the true, the good, and the beautiful.
Can we consider Reading as an art?
“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” – Francis Bacon
We begin to consider reading as an art when we think about what we read and how we read. Informational reading and online skimming require only simple decoding. Imaginative literature involves complex thinking. But artful reading involves more than this basic differentiation.
Receptively and thoughtfully reading a novel or a memoir or a poem makes us an active participant in its art. An imaginative current flows between the written words and the mind’s eye. An author creates a work of literature. A reader receives and responds to it, empowering participation in its art
Reading as an Art: Seeing the World Differently
When we think of reading as an art, it becomes more than a daily habit or a homework task. It’s an experience that enriches our minds and hearts, allowing us to connect with different worlds, ideas, and people. Here’s what makes reading in this way special:
Reading with Intention: When we see reading as an art, we treat it as a rewarding journey, not just something to "get through."
Not Just Reading—Reading Well: Artful reading encourages us to really engage with a text. It’s about understanding the author’s message, not just skimming through.
Savoring the Simple Joys of Reading: Artful reading is enjoyable in and of itself. It’s a source of inspiration and insight, opening doors to new ideas and feelings.
As we start to approach reading with these perspectives, we unlock new possibilities, enriching our lives regardless of age or background.
Beyond Everyday Reading
“Marking a book is literally an experience of your differences or agreements with the author. It is the highest respect you can pay him” – Edgar Allen Poe
Everyday reading, while essential, primarily focuses on extracting information. We scan news articles, textbooks, and emails, seeking specific facts or details. In contrast, artful reading invites us to engage with texts on a deeper level. It involves savoring the rhythm of language, pondering the author's intentions, and connecting the text to our own experiences.
Let's delve into the nuances of reading, exploring the distinction between everyday reading and artful reading
Why Embrace Artful Reading?
What are the real rewards of artful reading? Here are just a few:
Broadening Our Horizons: Artful reading encourages us to explore all kinds of books, stories, and perspectives, helping us grow and learn.
Going Beyond Information: It invites us to reflect, imagine, and connect with what we’re reading, making each story personal and memorable.
Finding Lasting Joy in Reading: By reading for enjoyment and discovery, we experience the same joy that readers young and old have found throughout history...
How Can We get back to Reading?
When we acknowledge the problem and its importance, we begin to recover reading by nurturing positive perspectives. Rather than view ourselves as unliterary people, we can think of ourselves as readers. Instead of stressing about not having time to read, we can exercise our freedom to choose reading’s pleasure and refreshment.
An obvious step toward recovery is to read. The more we read, the better readers we become. We learn to read carefully, immersing ourselves in the story before us. Attentive reading increases awareness of the work’s artistry, which generates joy.
Many people enjoy repeatedly reading favorites, but community with other readers through book clubs or discussion groups can introduce us to new genres and authors. Part of discovering a good book includes asking how it is true, good, and beautiful. Such evaluation helps artful reading surpass mere enlightened humanism to move into the realm of the spiritual life.
Building an Artful Reading Practice
Developing an artful approach doesn’t have to be complicated. A great starting point is to look at how the story or text is written. Notice the author’s style, the structure of sentences, and the use of imagery or symbols. This formalist approach brings a new level of appreciation, as we notice the craft behind the story.
However, artful reading isn’t just about analysis. It’s also about feeling—about letting the text move us emotionally. Combining some analysis with personal reflection lets us experience reading as a whole, bringing both heart and mind into the journey.
Making Artful Reading a Habit for Life
The next time you pick up a book, consider slowing down. Dive into the details, imagine the scenes, and let yourself connect with the story. By reading artfully, you’re not only making each moment richer but also embracing the timeless joys that reading can bring to people of every age.
Rediscover reading—not as a task, but as a path to discovery, growth, and joy.
