Why do we read? How do we read?
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Watch: 3 Short Videos
What do you think? Does anything in particular resonate with you from any of the three videos?
Why Read?
25 responses to “Why Read?”
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I thought that the TED talks were similar in how they talked about stories and showed how essential they are in people’s lives. Stories have the ability to persuade and change people. Our whole lives are shaped by and made up of stories. I particularly resonated with Lisa Cron about ads being stories that influence what we buy and our beliefs, even unconsciously. I also agreed with Jonathan Gottschall regarding how when we get together with our friends, we usually exchange stories to make our own lives seem either better (boosting us) or worse (emphasizing with) than others, so stories always connect us.
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I liked that Lisa said we get lost in stories and we escape reality through stories. I agree with this because when a story is good, we cry, we feel for the characters, and feeling is needed. If we don’t feel something while reading, we will not focus we will read and read and reread and never retain any of the information. There have been times I have read a story and haven’t been interested or found it entertaining or even simply connected with the characters, I just read it because I had to for school. When I feel connected to a good story I can read it over and over again. I think this is why we see some fairytales retold time and time again. As Jonathan said our lives are stories, we tell stories of our past and other people I never thought about this but it is so true “good gossip” is told time and time again because it is entertaining.
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I was genuinely shocked to see the third view point out how prominent stories are in our everyday lives. For me, I only really thought stories were present in things like TV and books. I had never considered things like dreaming, day dreaming, stone sculptures, or paintings as story telling. I also never thought of how vital stories are in a huge concepts such as religion. When I think of religion I mostly think of morals and rules and I neglect how religion is formed through storytelling over so many generations. Also, it is fascinating to learn the neurological basis of how we perceive storytelling. Our brain actively experiences the emotions we see on our screens and this was something I never knew, we are so connected to storytelling in so many different ways.
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All three videos explore the power and significance of storytelling and reading from a unique perspective. The one that most stood out to me was “How and Why We Read: Crash Course English Literature #1”. It emphasizes the importance of reading literature to understand ourselves and the world around us better. Reading helps us build empathy and explore ideas that aren’t easily discussed in other contexts. I appreciate the style and exploration of why literature matters. His point about books being conversations that continue across time is particularly resonant.
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Reading is obviously important to learn vocabulary and comprehension, but there’s a moral factor as well. The videos explored this idea that reading books and hearing stories shapes the world around us. For example if a child reads a book about a two characters who are friends but stop because one was being mean to the other, they now know that saying or doing certain things can upset their friends. Another example the book “No David” was about a child who was always doing bad things and getting in trouble. That book was made to show children that their actions have consequences.
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I like the idea that reading is more than just telling a story, it can serve as a way of communicating with people around the world. It is also a way of using your imagination to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and feel what they felt. Sometimes, it can also be a way of escaping reality, which can be healing and therapeutic to children in unhealthy homes. On the other hand, it reading can be a way for children to learn lessons through situations that they have not yet lived.
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To put that reading is a way of communication is something that I found very accurate. We read stories to help broaden our perspective, and to reach new ways of thinking and that does not just appear out of no where. Reading can also provide a sense of comfort for people who want to either reach outside of their lives or have something to relate to. It can provide framework outside of our own which is something that is very important to teach children.
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Both Ted Talk videos seem to have the same concept and ideas around storytelling and the importance of it in human life. Lisa Cron seems to suggest that human beings are wired for stories, while Jonathan Gottschall talks about humans being storytelling animals. This resonated with me the most because when you think about it, we as humans do actually live our lives inside of a story. Every so often, I would say jokingly that sometimes I feel my life is like a cartoon, or that I wished I lived in a cartoon- old ‘school cartoon’, that is- where no one died and everything was pretty. Of course, this is not realistic in thinking, however, I never thought of my actual life of already being lived inside of a story. But we all really live inside. of a story if you really think of it. We have built our knowledge, compared our own lived experiences, and built our thinking from others’stories. And as we exist from birth to death, our experiences would become a story for someone else to build upon.
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I found it interesting how in the first video, Green said reading is the imagining of being someone else and understanding their experiences. Also, I found it sort of different that he said the “author doesn’t exist”. His explanations about hyperbole and metaphors were relatable. We sometimes exaggerate to make a story “more interesting”, funny, or give it details. It is based on the person saying it and says a lot about their personality.
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I found it interesting how in the first video, Green said reading is the imagining of being someone else and understanding their experiences. Also, I found it sort of different that he said the “author doesn’t exist”. His explanations about hyperbole and metaphors were relatable. We sometimes exaggerate to make a story “more interesting”, funny, or give it details. It is based on the person saying it and says a lot about their personality.
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The third Ted Talk of Jonathan Gottschall was an eyeopener for me. I found it really interesting how he mentioned that storytelling is in our human nature. One thing that stands out is how we’re always surrounded by stories, whether in books, movies, dreams, or even our own thoughts. They can change how we think, feel, and even act.
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Although all videos have the same topic about storytelling and how it affects our lives, I like how they all utilize different examples and anecdotes to show the various ways that it does and how ancient it is. Storytelling is through numerous dimensions and I did not realize how much it makes us think and make decisions. In the video with Lisa Cron one thing that stood out to me was when she mentioned “ We make decisions based on how the rational decision makes us feel”. I actually agree especially if we believe that we are doing what is best in our interest. I do like how it is noted to never underestimate the power of story and to master the tools of storytelling. In the “storytelling animal” what resonates with me is the concept that we create fiction in our head effortlessly. We make something out of nothing and I tend to see that easily especially when I am working or playing with kids. Automatically it is the imagination that we have. I also love the comment about escapism. Daydreaming and dreaming or even at times listening to music then wondering off into thoughts happens a lot and is a way for us to get away from reality. We keep everyone involved and interested with our gossips and story telling. We can all either romanticize or be dramatic about our life experiences.
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All of these videos incorporated an important ideology regarding stories. From each of the videos, there was a quote or idea that stuck with me regarding the speakers ideology. From the first video, Green’s idea that stories are an act of empathy; “always an imagining of what its like to be someone else.” This really made an impression on me because it illuminates the concept that we read to escape our reality and imagine what it would be like to be in a life or situation different than our own. This is a strong power that something tangible by anyone can have and an amazing feeling for one to have if they choose to read. Also, Green made a comment that echoed the importance reading has. Green stated that stories allow us to, in a way, “hear the voices of the dead.” This is as stories can pass down words and messages through generations even long after the people who formed the stories have passed on. Secondly, Cron says that “stories are simulations that allow us to vicariously experience difficult situations we haven’t yet had to face to see what that would really feel like.” This further develops the ideology that Green mentions about how important reading is, as it gives you an opportunity to be or live in the moment as someone you are not. Lastly, Gottschall makes an interesting addition to this conversation, which I felt was important to mention: Gottschall made the claim that people are in a way “addicted” to stories. This is as stories, again, have the great power of being able to act as a “virtual reality,” allowing us to experience things and feelings of different lives without having any effect at all on our normal lives.
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People read for many reasons. We know that reading is crucial for learning grammar and vocabulary but these videos also explore how it’s very important for communication, how we understand the world, and how we process our emotions. In Lisa’s Ted Talk, I thought it was very interesting that she brought up that books allow us to not only connect with human nature but truly empathize with others. This escape that books give us helps us grow. Moreover, I found it interesting in Jonathan’s TED talk how he spoke about books bringing you to another world. It’s important that people can be transported to these different worlds through books and experience different things they otherwise wouldn’t have without reading. Lastly, books and reading connect people from all around the world.
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All three videos highlight how deeply storytelling is ingrained in human nature, and the idea that brains have a preference for stories speaks to me the most. Lisa Cron’s point about how we perceive stories as real explains why we become so emotionally invested in books and movies. Jonathan Gottschall’s discussion of how stories shape our beliefs and behaviors made me think about how much narratives influence how we perceive the world, sometimes more than facts. I also identified with John Green’s notion that reading is a conversation across time, demonstrating how literature constantly builds on previous ideas. These videos demonstrated that storytelling is more than just entertainment; it is how we understand, connect, and make sense of the world.
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Many people read for different reasons. Such as, to past by time, to distract themselves, as a hobby, for work or school, to have more knowledge of a certain topic. “The book exist for the benefit of you” John Green stated. This stood out to me because yes the author publishes it and we get to read it. However, we benefit from it since we get to have a sense of new ideas or a whole new perspective on a certain topic. Books are made for us to learn something out of it, or to even get a new emotion of it.
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All three videos highlight why reading is important and what it can do to our minds. I liked how Lisa explained that people can get lost in reading because it can transfer people into another world and dimension. It can really make you forget where you are. Alot of people use reading as a way to escape reality and they find comfort in books.
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Reading is a way to practice our language skills. It helps build our vocabulary and grammar, which also in turn, build our communication skills. Aside from that, it teaches a lot of things to us that we may not even be aware of. A lot of stories aimed towards young children have strong moral values and lessons like empathy for example. It also shapes our connection with the world around us. For non-fiction books, it allows us to learn about what the past was like and the issues in society, making us more aware of the world around us. For fiction, it can help build a strong imagination and a creativity that can help us easily connect to one another as humans.
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Out of the three videos the one that stood out with me the most was the crash course video on “How and Why We Read.” Green discusses the importance of reading. Reading really opens up opportunities for us to see the world from different perspectives. When stepping into the shoes of the character were able to connect with characters, their struggles, joys, and experiences. They encourage us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, which is a powerful way to build empathy. When we immerse ourselves in stories, we get a deeper sense of what it means to be human, even in situations far removed from our own. Literature allows us to deepen our understanding of ourselves while also challenging our thinking.
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Out of the three videos the one that stood out with me the most was the crash course video on “How and Why We Read.” Green discusses the importance of reading. Reading really opens up opportunities for us to see the world from different perspectives. When stepping into the shoes of the character were able to connect with characters, their struggles, joys, and experiences. They encourage us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, which is a powerful way to build empathy. When we immerse ourselves in stories, we get a deeper sense of what it means to be human, even in situations far removed from our own. Literature allows us to deepen our understanding of ourselves while also challenging our thinking.
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Reading is important for learning in the literal sense of being able to read words and comprehend them. But stories go beyond reading. Stories connect us and let us know we aren’t alone. Stories provide context for facts and help get a point across to transform the way people think. Stories are entertaining. Stories remind us about our history so we don’t forget important lessons. Stories help teach and understand. Stories help our imaginations feel limitless.
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Behind the obvious of why reading is so important for further learning and comprehension, reading also allows us to empathize with others in our life due to the emotions convicted by the author in the reading. It exposes us to new vocabulary, slang, locations, and so much more. We read as a hobby or means of connecting with others, such as through book clubs/discussions.
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I feel inclined to write about the Crash Course video since John Green is the man who made me want to start writing stories 😂 What stood out to me about that video is the line “reading is always an act of empathy.” I never looked at it that way. Reading (especially reading fiction), teaches us how to get in other people’s shoes. When you read, you’re tapping into worlds and situations you may have never been exposed to had you not opened the book. Reading made me love people and our differences. It made me realize how large the world is and how much I can learn from someone telling me their story.
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The video that grabbed my attention the most was ”How and Why We Read” it spoke about how reading can make us think of things differently and it can really help us think and analyze differently and allow us to make connections to the text. It highlighted that from reading, you can feel different ways from the text or even change your mind or open your eyes.
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What stood out to me is how storytelling is a natural part of who we are. Jonathan Gottschall explained that humans are wired for stories, and Lisa Cron showed how stories help us make sense of life. The Crash Course video reminded me that reading is like having a conversation with the author. It made me realize why I get so pulled into books and movies ,it’s not just for fun, it’s how we connect and understand the world. I never really thought about how important stories are until hearing it explained this way. It honestly made me appreciate reading and storytelling on a deeper level
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