The Indelible Impact of Reading Books vs. Listening to Them

It's a timeless debate: to read a book or listen to it? The answer often hinges on personal preference and the context in which the content is consumed. However, there's a deeper psychological aspect to this choice that goes beyond just convenience. Let's delve into the nuances of each method and explore why reading can offer a more enriching and memorable experience.

Psychological Experiment and Senses Involvement

According to a well-known psychological experiment, the more senses engaged in a task, the better we are at retaining and recalling the information over time. This is why visual cues, such as seeing someone's facial expressions or actions, often play a crucial role in communication. Across the board, our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and touch all contribute to how we understand and remember experiences.

Involvement of Senses in Reading and Listening

Reading: Eyes are engaged as we read the text. Touch is activated when we hold and turn the pages of a physical book. The smell of the book adds another layer of sensory experience, often evoking emotional associations. As we read, we "hear" the words in our minds, involving the auditory sense. Listening: Eyes are not engaged. Touch and smell are not involved unless a physical book is present. Hearing is the sense primarily engaged.

It's here we see why many prefer physical books over e-books or audiobooks, especially when the cost or ease of access are not factors. The tactile and olfactory experiences of a book enhance its readability and rememberability. This is also why the experience of flavorful food can be so vividly recalled years later – multiple senses are involved, creating a more profound and enduring memory.

Personal Preferences and Productivity

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between reading and listening. For instance, reading allows for better involvement and forces the reader to focus on one task at a time, leading to higher efficiency and easier skimming.

Pros and Cons of Reading Books

Pros: Better involvement of senses. Forces focus on one task, leading to higher efficiency. Skimming and re-reading is easier. Cons: Books are not portable in all situations. Reading is challenging when multitasking (e.g., reading while doing dishes).

Pros and Cons of Listening to Audiobooks

Pros: Easy accessibility. Non-bulky and convenient. Audible content during household chores or commuting. Cons: Interference with other activities, reducing content absorption. No need to drain phone battery. Possibility of distractions (e.g., scrolling Instagram).

Conclusion: Focus on Absorption

Regardless of the method, the key is not only enjoyment but also the absorption of the content, whether it's for self-improvement, philosophical insights, or simply for pleasure. As Naval Ravikant puts it, it would be more valuable to thoroughly understand the best 100 books rather than read all books superficially.

While technology has provided numerous options for consuming content, the fundamental aspect remains whether the content is absorbed to its fullest extent. Whether you prefer the feel of the pages between your fingers or the sound of the narrator's voice, the goal should always be to enrich your mind and soul through deep engagement with the material.

Happy reading and listening!