Embracing Literacy: The Noble Trend of Reading in the Digital Age

In an era dominated by social media, where individuals often engage in showcasing their lives through meticulously curated images and posts, a peculiar trend has emerged—one that intertwines the age-old practice of reading with the modern desire to share. This phenomenon involves individuals posing with books in photographs, subsequently uploading them to their social platforms, fashioning a unique blend of traditional and contemporary expressions. This habit made me introspect, questioning whether my actions were mere exhibitions or carried a deeper significance.

Path to Societal Reform Through Reading

Being naturally perceptive, I find myself constantly evaluating my surroundings and behaviors, particularly those of my peers and my own. It’s disheartening to observe common follies and realize the limitations in remedying the broader societal faults. Yet, like many youths harboring ambitions for societal reformation, I too nurtured a dream of instigating change. Acknowledging that such transformations require time, I was initially uncertain of the direction to take. Observing the widespread ignorance enveloping individuals across various professional spectrums—including scholars, bureaucrats, religious figures, artists, and students—I decided to embark on a journey of self-improvement through the exploration of literature, aiming to shed my own ignorance by delving into the wisdom of preceding centuries.

Overcoming Resistance to Self-Discovery

The initial foray into this realm was challenging; a mind unaccustomed to critical thinking and resistant to self-scrutiny struggled to grasp the rational and the enlightened. However, perseverance led to clarity, and the virtues of reading—focus, empathy, tranquility—became evident. Books, indeed, proved to be the companions of unparalleled worth I was once told of in my youth. This newfound satisfaction propelled me to advocate for reading amongst my circle, transcending the mundane discussions typical of our age, thereby introducing them to the transformative power of literature.

Challenging Social Norms with Literary Engagement

Our discussions, now enriched with insights and learnings from various authors and thinkers, offered a sense of fulfillment previously unattained. Contrasting sharply with the superficial bragging rights of material possessions prevalent among the youth, our ‘showing off’ of literary engagements presents a thought-provoking question: Is it reprehensible to flaunt intellectual pursuits?

This article stems from my reflections on how societal values and interests manifest amongst the youth. While some may interpret the public display of reading as pretentious, it is, in essence, a celebration of intellectual curiosity and growth. Unlike the flaunting of weapons, luxury vehicles, or fashion—a display often criticized—sharing one’s literary journey invites a reevaluation of what we choose to value and promote within our society.

Cultivating Genuine Interests in a Digital World

Therefore, as we navigate through the digital age, where the lines between genuine interests and superficial displays blur, it’s imperative to recognize and encourage pursuits that foster growth, understanding, and empathy. Let this discourse not be a critique but a reflection on our collective evolution towards embracing more meaningful hobbies and interests that transcend the fleeting allure of materialism.

I hope that by sharing these thoughts, we can inspire a renaissance of reading, not as an act of showmanship but as a genuine expression of our desire for knowledge, understanding, and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

Written by Anis Khan