“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”- Charles W. Eliot
One of my earliest memories was lying in bed listening to bedtime stories from my Mum. From the Brothers Grim fairytales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and Jack and the Beanstalk to one of my favorite children’s books, Where the Wild Things Are.
Through the pages of a book, we embark on journeys that carry us far from our immediate surroundings. Fictional tales transport us to fantastical realms where magic and reality coexist, while historical narratives plunge us into the depths of bygone eras.
This is not merely an avoidance of reality but a conscious choice to explore new perspectives, expand our imaginative faculties, and nourish our creativity.
Furthermore, reading fosters empathy. We develop a deeper understanding of the human condition as we immerse ourselves in characters’ lives from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We walk a mile in the shoes of protagonists facing challenges and triumphs, and in doing so, we broaden our capacity for compassion and sensitivity toward others’ struggles.
The series that sparked my fascination with reading would have to be The Magic Tree House. I do not know what caught my interest, but boy did it! It must have been the comedy and the sense of adventure. Traveling back in time on missions to different eras and meeting historical figures.
Reading is an unparalleled conduit for acquiring knowledge. Non-fiction literature exposes us to many subjects, from science and philosophy to history and culture. Each book becomes a treasure trove of information, offering an opportunity to delve into topics we might otherwise never encounter.
Whether it’s exploring the cosmos through astronomy books or delving into the intricacies of the human mind through psychology texts, reading empowers us to engage with the world’s vast array of ideas and discoveries.
Additionally, reading stimulates critical thinking. As we engage with the written word, we evaluate arguments, analyze perspectives, and form our own opinions.
This process enriches our intellectual faculties and equips us with the tools to engage in thoughtful discussions and make informed decisions.
By the time I got to college, I had read the essential series/novels in no particular order; here they are Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, and Game of Thrones…Now that I have read many research articles and reviewed psychological texts, my mind often looks for pleasant fantasy reads to soothe while stimulating my brain.
Whether planning a weekend backpacking trip or traveling out of state, I like to bring my iPad (Amazon) with me; it’s light and allows me to read all the books I want without the hassle of packing them up and weighing me down. Plus, it is nice to have the background light at night!
One of the greatest pleasures is to find yourself getting lost in another world, going on countless trips, and experiencing new perspectives. You may be able to live many lives just by reading.
In a world that often rushes by in a blur of activity, reading offers a sanctuary—a place where we can pause, reflect, and engage with the profound and the imaginative. It nurtures our minds, warms our hearts, and enriches our souls.
As always, do what you love, and do it often! Till the next adventure…
About
Caleb Young graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in Psychology, envisioning becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) working with active duty military/families/veterans. Caleb has volunteered with various mental health nonprofits, including You Matter Not Alone, Working Dogs For Warriors, and the Heroes Project. He enjoys reading/writing, Jiu-Jitsu, and exploring the great outdoors. Follow Caleb on Instagram and Facebook.