All of life is connected. The evidence for this is overwhelming across multiple scientific disciplines pertaining to life on our planet. While we share much in common with our closest primates and other biological life forms, what makes us, Homo sapiens, truly unique is our ability to read and write. The ability to use words, symbols and images to convey meaning and purpose, truth and beauty, morals and values, is truly a human quality.
I have encountered people who seem to be impressed with my breadth of knowledge and understanding of things. I have been asked, at least the one time that I can recall, “how do you know so much?” While I must acknowledge the great Newton’s humility that there is so much more I don’t know and forevermore for me to learn, if there was one thing I did do over the decades of my life that greatly enhanced my understanding of things then that would be reading.
Reading books by various authors across epochs of time is akin to boarding the Tardis of Doctor Who and going to different times and places to encounter fascinating new worlds. When you read a book by someone who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago, you step into the mind of another person. You enter his world and experience her thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Your brain rewires itself as you build new neuronal connections. You literally expand your mind and worldview.
So, go to your local bookstore or library today or visit your home library bookshelf and pick up one book. Then start reading.
