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before and you don't start out with advanced Literature if it isn't your thing; there are plenty of great books out there that you might like. One must walk before they can run, and for some, walking may be all they need. So how can you get started?

Find something of interest to you. For many it's other people's lives, for others it may be a hobby. Do you like to travel? Science? Sports? Do you love news? Many subjects can be found in your local newspaper. If reading thick books seem a little daunting, look at newspapers and magazines as an opportunity to expand your knowledge. many people like watching the news on TV. Does this describe you? You'll find out about important local and national events from newspapers that may be missed or skipped over when simply relying on TV news. Simply pick out notes of interest to you each day. Your reading may amount up to only 5 to 20 minutes per day but once you get into the habit of doing this you may come to enjoy it. Subscribe to a magazine that holds subjects of interest to you. The point is that reading is a different experience from watching TV. Your brain is a muscle and when you are reading it is being given a good work out! It becomes lazy and weak when you watch too much TV and this may be one reason why so many people today can't think very well for themselves and have a hard time sifting through the plethora of information surrounding them, deciding what is true and what isn't - they don't exercise their brains enough. Reading regularly cures this problem.

Because your brain has to work much harder while reading it helps you increase your knowledge on whatever you read about and it also enhances your concentration. People who don't read often remain in ignorance about what is happening around them, especially when it comes to very important things that will affect their lives. These could be things you might never have known about before - like an obscure local bill proposed to raise taxes that may directly affect you in the future or the fact that if you plan to travel to XYZ country the exchange rate for their currency just went up very high. Often this kind of information is not found by simply watching the TV or even listening to news radio. Many things are only known by reading about them. Find some quiet time, perhaps fifteen or twenty minutes or even a couple of hours each day or each week for reading. This not only enahances you intellectually, it can help you relax and calm your nerves.

Ideally people should read everyday. Reading exercises the brain, the imagination and the critical thinking faculties. It educates and informs you. A person who reads has more knowledge than his fellowman who does not. You have knowledge that can benefit you that others don't both in practical matters and in other ways. You are more educated than those who don't or won't read. What is simply foolish is one who knows how to read but refuses to do so. Centuries ago only the wealthy and educated were allowed to learn how to read. During the times of black slavery in the US slaves were killed if they were caught reading and so were those who taught them how. Now we live in a society where all are given the chance to learn how to read and it is a valuable thing that too many take for granted and show no appreciation for. Reading can be satisfying by helping you to understand current affairs, the human condition, history, culture and a whole host of things that can enhance your understanding of the world. It can give you insight on human behavior, cultures and even your own personality besides educate you about many practical matters . Reading gives you a more well rounded and in depth knowledge of the world around you.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Jeffrey.
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