Understanding the current society feeds on quick intel, and just give me the bullet points attitude, few take the time to dig deeper. We are shortchanging and depriving ourselves. 

Every book we read is a potential teacher. Reading is a systematic process for learning the essential
meanings of that teacher. When we become good readers, we can learn the essential meanings of
an unlimited number of teachers whose teachings live on, ever available, in the books they have
written.

Richard Paul and Linda Elder

How to Read a Paragraph: The Art of Close Reading

Yet fewer individuals are reading. A steady drop shown above 2003 to 2017, provides us this visual on the decline. This chart represents casual reading, never mind deep reading for critical thinking or understanding.

Where does this lead us?

This in mind, we truly see a depreciation in mental clarity, involving critical thinking skills. 

One may argue we are still learning, through visual content.

However, studies show if we replace paper reading with digital content we lose tactile and physical growth. 

“There is physicality in reading,” says developmental psychologist and cognitive scientist Maryanne Wolf of Tufts University, “maybe even more than we want to think about as we lurch into digital reading—as we move forward perhaps with too little reflection. I would like to preserve the absolute best of older forms, but know when to use the new.”

Ferris Jabr 

The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens

With this Covid 19 lock down, affecting all, it would be a great time to grab a book and dive in. 

You may find your new teacher.