The Reading Habit: How Time and Genre Influence Personal Growth
Reading is a universal pastime that can enrich our lives in myriad ways. Whether it's for leisure, self-improvement, or simply to escape into a different world, the benefits of reading are undeniable. In this article, we explore the reading habits of two individuals and how they approach this timeless activity.
Time Devoted to Reading
Retirement Days: Pragya Choudhary enjoys a fully flexible schedule, allowing her to dedicate a significant portion of her day to reading. She reads for about two hours every day, drawing from a vast array of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and even historical romance and science fiction. Her reading habits are well-established, having cultivated a passion for various literature since childhood. Being retired, she has the luxury of time to pursue her interests and improve herself in various dimensions—personally, professionally, spiritually, and financially.
On the other hand, Retired Life: The second individual, who is also retired, finds time for reading but in a more limited manner. They spend about 30 minutes per day, picking up different genres and subjects based on their mood and the storyline of the book. This flexible approach keeps their reading fresh and engaging.
Genres and Motivations
Bibliophile's Perspective: Pragya Choudhary is a bibliophile, an individual who is exceedingly fond of books. Her reading habits are deeply educational and self-improving. She devotes at least an hour a day, seven days a week, to personal growth. This includes reading various books on philosophy, English Literature, and more. Despite her rigorous reading schedule, she indulges in a wide variety of genres to keep her reading experience enjoyable and enriching. Her extensive collection of books serves as a space of solace and knowledge, and she often shares her insights with a close friend named Jug. Jug is familiar with her deep engagement with literature and has even dubbed her room 'The Bookworn Café,' a place where they can indulge in prolonged, intellectual conversations.
Recreational Reader: For the retired individual, reading is a recreational activity they enjoy, primarily for fun. They do not dedicate as much time as Pragya Choudhary but are selective in their reading choices. The majority of their reading material is educational or self-improvement focused, but they enjoy lighter fare like history and psychology when the mood strikes. They often listen to audiobooks and podcasts in the car, enhancing their daily commute into a learning experience.
Prioritizing Learning Over Self-Improvement
Both readers emphasize the importance of learning over self-improvement in their reading habits. Pragya Choudhary believes that many self-improvement books are a waste of time. Instead, she advocates for reading broader subjects like history and psychology. She highlights the value of gaining a richer understanding of the world around us through varied and comprehensive reading materials. This approach aids in personal growth by exposing individuals to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives.
For the retired individual, while self-improvement is an element of their reading, the primary focus is on enjoyment and personal fulfillment. By reading a wide range of genres, they can maintain a diverse and enriching reading habit, adding to their understanding of the world and their personal experiences.
Ethical Considerations and Personal Choices
Both individuals have distinct approaches to lending and sharing their books. Pragya Choudhary is very selective about lending her books. She requires that they be returned within two weeks and will terminate a member's borrowing privileges if the books are not returned on time. This demonstrates her strong attachment to her books. However, she still finds joy in sharing her literary passion with her friend and engaging in meaningful discussions through her reading.
For the retired individual, the flexibility in lending is noted but not emphasized. Their enjoyment of reading as a personal passtime is evident in their approach to books, allowing for a more casual and individualistic experience.
Conclusion
The unique reading habits of these two individuals highlight the profound impact that books can have on our lives. Whether it's a deep dive into history or a meandering journey through different genres, the act of reading can serve as a tool for personal growth and enrichment. By setting aside time for reading and choosing a variety of books, individuals can expand their knowledge and improve themselves in multiple facets of life.