David Brook’s most recent editorial in The New York Times speaks to the amazing power of books – and makes a good argument for summer reading lists! As we’ve been promoting some great summer reads, you’ll be happy to know that giving your kids books during the summer helps diminish the loss of knowledge that widely happens to students during the break. But you already knew that! The article also speaks to the effect our internet focused culture has on learning and the ability to reason. What I found to be the most interesting was this:
“But there was one interesting observation made by a philanthropist who gives books to disadvantaged kids. It’s not the physical presence of the books that produces the biggest impact, she suggested. It’s the change in the way the students see themselves as they build a home library. They see themselves as readers, as members of a different group…A person who becomes a citizen of the literary world enters a hierarchical universe.”
What a fantastic idea! As the internet grabs at more of our time and attention, young people given the opportunity to read will choose to do so – and it can affect the way they see themselves and their place in the world. Fascinating stuff here! Happy reading – The Medium is the Medium.
Great article, Bec. Thanks for sharing. What a good reminder about the importance of deeper thought and contemplation.