That age-old adage rings true:
“Not all readers are successful, but all successful people are readers.”
Perhaps we can say not all readers are writers, but all successful writers are readers.
Reading alone is not a guaranteed path to productivity. If approached haphazardly,
it can be just as futile as idle hours spent in front of a television screen.
The Colombo International Book Fair is keeping us busy now. It is an annual celebration of literature and knowledge that graces our shores. As book enthusiasts and literary connoisseurs converge to immerse themselves in the world of printed words, most of us are happy about the festive spirit. For most of us, it is a positive sign that book reading has such a festive spirit.
Reading, as the gateway to intellectual exploration, offers far more than the mere consumption of stories and information. It is a dynamic engagement, an act that has the potential to shape, inform, and elevate our endeavours in writing and research. Beyond the surface allure of books lies a profound truth: reading, when approached with purpose and strategy, becomes the cornerstone of excellence in these domains.
But there is more to reading than we can conveniently imagine.
Fostering literary excellence
In 2014, Booker Winner Eleanor Catton captured the attention of newspapers and literary aficionados alike. Her noteworthy altruistic act involved channelling her prize money into a unique initiative: granting fellow writers the commodity of time for contemplative reading.
Catton’s The Luminaries is an enthralling narrative set amidst New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush that clinched many literary prizes. Catton was a mere 28 years old at the time.
Catton intended to champion the cause of her literary peers. In her words: “Writers are readers first; indeed our love of reading is what unites us above all else. If our reading culture is dynamic, diverse, and informed, our writing culture will be too.”
Writers chosen to receive the grant were to be bestowed with $3,000 each, with no obligations or constraints. Except for one: after three months, they would be encouraged to craft a short piece of non-fiction reflecting on their reading experience.
In the quest to become a proficient writer, one should never underestimate the profound influence of reading. The connection between reading and writing is akin to the symbiotic relationship between soil and seeds. One nourishes the other, paving the way for literary growth and excellence.
The writer’s arsenal
But how exactly does reading aid in the cultivation of writing prowess?
Stephen King serves as a beacon for aspiring writers with his prolific output of 2,000 words a day. King imparts two cardinal principles: read extensively and write prolifically.
Reading, in the eyes of Stephen King and countless other literary luminaries, is the cornerstone of the writer’s craft. It is not merely a leisurely pursuit. It is a conscious, strategic choice. When we immerse ourselves in the pages of books, we do more than consume stories and ideas. We absorb the essence of language, the cadence of prose, and the nuanced art of storytelling.
Reading is, in essence, a masterclass in literature, an education that no writing workshop can wholly replicate.
However, reading alone is not the sole key to becoming a proficient writer. Action is the catalyst that transforms knowledge into creation. Writing, like any craft, requires practice, dedication, and perseverance. Stephen King himself is a testament to this truth, as his daily commitment to writing attests.
True essence of reading
That age-old adage rings true: “Not all readers are successful, but all successful people are readers.” Perhaps we can say not all readers are writers, but all successful writers are readers. Reading alone is not a guaranteed path to productivity. If approached haphazardly, it can be just as futile as idle hours spent in front of a television screen.
One universally acknowledged observation about the Colombo International Book Fair is that we see passionate buyers with heaps of books. You and I can be among them. We spend fortunes on these books and fatten our personal collections or libraries. And of course, we can wear literary conquests like a badge of honour, sharing them enthusiastically in online forums.
Be careful though. It can be a fallacy!
Reading is merely the first step in a transformative journey. To derive real value from the knowledge acquired, it is essential to synthesise, summarise, and most importantly, act upon the insights gleaned.
The misconception here is that reading alone would maketh the man perfect. This is a mirage that countless individuals chase. Reading undoubtedly broadens one’s horizons, imparts wisdom, and provides a deeper understanding of the world. It furnishes the mind with tools and perspectives.
Purposeful reading
Yet, to truly evolve and progress, one must bridge the chasm between knowledge and action.
In essence, success or perfection is not an exclusive realm reserved for those who read, but for those who read and then translate knowledge into a tangible, meaningful change.
Not all readers are successful but all successful people are readers. Period.
The notion of reading with a clear goal, backed by meticulous planning and actionable steps, forms the crux of a transformative reading journey.
This is an era of hasty book acquisitions. We are lured by catchy titles or the endorsements of online influencers which actually ought to be left behind. Instead, we must pause and ponder: Does this book align with my personal or professional goals? Does it offer knowledge and insights that resonate with what I aspire to learn? If the answer is affirmative, then the book rightfully earns its place on your reading list, warranting a dedicated time slot in your schedule.
The allure of best-sellers often blinds readers to hidden gems lying beneath the glittering surface of popular charts. It’s a reality that bears repeating: many best-sellers owe their status not solely to their content but to the prowess of marketing firms or the author’s social media prominence.
Reading, when approached strategically, becomes a transformative force. It evolves from a casual pastime into a deliberate act of self-improvement. By scrutinising our reading choices, aligning them with our goals, and acting on the insights gathered, we can harness the true potential of books as instruments of growth and enlightenment.
The practice of taking notes stands as a beacon of wisdom. Much like students who diligently complete homework assignments and face tests after each chapter, readers can harness the power of note-taking to reinforce their understanding and retention of material. This time-honoured practice transforms the act of reading into a dynamic and engaging process.
Art of note-taking
The benefits of adept note-taking while reading are manifold. First, it enhances focus, steering our attention towards the core ideas and essential concepts within the text. This heightened concentration allows us to traverse the narrative or the argument more effectively, ultimately leading to a richer and more comprehensive understanding. Moreover, the act of translating thoughts and insights into written notes reinforces the material in our memory. It’s akin to creating a mental map of the knowledge acquired. When we revisit our notes, we not only recall the information but also the context in which it was absorbed. This retention proves invaluable when seeking to apply the newfound knowledge in our lives or engage in thoughtful discussions with others.
Note-taking is a practice that elevates the act of reading to a transformative level. It ensures that the time spent immersed in a book is not merely a passive encounter but an active dialogue with ideas. Just as students benefit from their homework assignments and tests, readers can unlock the full potential of their literary journeys by embracing the art of note-taking. Through this disciplined approach, the world of literature becomes a rich tapestry of ideas waiting to be explored, understood, and remembered.
Knowledge for a better world
Reading prevents crimes. Reading increases your chances of academic achievement. Reading has the power to save the world. Yet again, if not done properly, reading is just another activity that will consume a portion of your precious time.
To get the most out of this ancient labour, you should act.
Take steps when you read the book. Make some adjustments in your life based on the content. Talk about it with others. Spread the knowledge.
That gives you the chance to make your life, and the life of the people around you, better. To go where you want to go and become the person you always wanted to be.
