by Virginia L. Allen

Created on: May 22, 2009

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them"- so stated Mark Twain. Such a quote reminds us of how fundamental reading can be to those who avail themselves to this activity. A person's reasoning behind reading however, varies from one opinion to another.

These are my personal top ten reasons to read a book....

1.) Mental Stimulation of the Brain.

Your brain is a muscle. Just as underused muscles atrophy due to lack of exercise, a lack of mental stimulation can cause damage to the brain as well. So pick up a book, and exercise your mind.

2.) Nurture Your Love For Reading.

The more you read, the more you enjoy it. It's as simple as that.

3.) Nurture A Love For Reading In Your Children.

"Monkey see. Monkey do," so goes the old adage. Letting your children observe you reading, will increase their chances of developing a love of reading themselves.

4.) Inexpensive Travel.

Let's face. It would be wonderful if we all had the ability to travel the country and experience exotic places. Unfortunately, the majority of us may never get to experience first hand what it's like to be outside our country of residence.

Fortunately, reading brings those experiences right at our fingertips. With a great book, and a vivid imagination, you can experience different cultures, taste different foods, and learn how other people live.

5.) Expand Your Vocabulary.

Need a great way to expand your vocabulary? Read a book. Reading introduces new or seldom used words to the reader. Enabling him/her to incorporate them in their everyday vernacular.

6.) A Source of Encouragement.

When experiencing bouts of depression, or moments of discouragement, at times a book (whether it's based on humour or inspiration) can provide you with the encouragement necessary to buoy your spirits and keep you going.

7.) A Source of Escape.

With the internal and external pressures we face day to day, it's nice to have a quick and practically free way to escape the world's pressures. Sitting down in your favorite chair with a good book in hand, will provide you with a couple of hours of stress free bliss.

8.) Keep Updated.

Reading a book (depending on what kind you read) can provide one with a source of updated and current information on all things worldly.

9.) Gain Knowledge.

One of the best sources to gain knowledge is a book. Whether they be primary sources or translations of, reading a book is a great way to gain knowledge or add to what you already know.

10.) Gain Spiritual Enlightenment.

There are many books on the market offering spiritual enlightenment. However, although considered antiquated and outdated, for me the Bible is the best book offering true spiritual enlightenment.

As Benjamin Disraeli put it so quaintly, reading is a great way to - "Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes." So whatever your reasons for reading include, you should always make the time for nurturing your mind.

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