Reading Culture is in decline worldwide.

I have a friend who takes pride in not being a reader. Surprisingly, he is not alone in this. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, in the US, people aged 15-44 spend only 10 minutes or less per day reading. However, it's worth noting that the amount of time spent reading outside of work and school varies significantly across different age groups. For instance, individuals aged 75 and older read over four times as much per day, averaging 44 minutes. In contrast, my friend rarely reads, except for when he comes across a sports story in the local paper. He believes that reading was necessary during his school and work years, but now that he's retired, he sees no reason to continue reading.

As for me, I'm an avid bookworm, devouring around 8 to 10 books every couple of weeks. I firmly believe in the importance of reading and the numerous benefits it brings. Let me share some insights with you.

First and foremost, reading expands our knowledge and exposes us to a multitude of subjects. It opens up new worlds, presents us with fascinating facts, and offers unique perspectives that we might not encounter otherwise.

In addition to broadening our understanding of the world, reading also plays a significant role in developing our language skills. Immersing ourselves in written words and sentences enhances our vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. As a result, we become better at expressing ourselves and grasping complex ideas.

However, it's not just the United States that has seen a decline in reading; this trend is observable worldwide, according to the United Nations. Many are concerned about this trend and worry that as a result of not reading as much, society as a whole is becoming a less knowledgeable and a less empathetic.

Some attribute this decline to the digital revolution, which has provided alternative ways of acquiring information and narratives through visual and oral mediums. Oral storytelling, for instance, has been a fundamental means of sharing knowledge, culture, and experiences throughout history. When we listen to oral stories, we establish an emotional connection with the storyteller, developing empathy as we hear their voice, tone, and the emotions they convey. Oral narratives can vividly paint pictures and offer diverse perspectives, much like reading stories does. Engaging with oral storytelling allows us to empathize with others and enhances our emotional intelligence.

Similarly, visual storytelling in the form of movies, TV shows, and theater breathes life into stories, providing a multisensory experience. Through music, dialogue, and performances, visual mediums allow us to connect with characters through their facial expressions and body language, facilitating a deeper understanding. Visual storytelling complements reading and oral narratives by offering another way to engage with narratives, emotions, and perspectives.

When we engage with fiction, poetry, or imaginative writing, it ignites our creativity and enables us to envision new worlds, characters, and ideas. It stimulates our imagination and encourages innovative thinking, making reading a powerful tool for expanding our minds.

Both oral and visual storytelling engage our senses, evoke emotions, and enable us to connect with characters and their stories. Each medium has its own strengths in conveying narratives and perspectives. If we as a society continue to embrace all forms of storytelling—reading, listening, and watching—we gain a more comprehensive understanding of diverse narratives and perspectives. This, in turn, enhances our empathy, emotional intelligence, and our ability to see the world from various angles.

The key lies in recognizing that different storytelling methods complement each other, providing a richer and more immersive experience. So, whether it's through reading, listening to stories, or watching visual media, we should actively engage with all of them. By doing so, we broaden our understanding, nurture empathy, and sharpen our perspective and our thinking skills.