Influence of books on society and children essay
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impact of reading books on people and society
Report: The impact of reading books on people and society
27-03-2019
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Download the report (Blueyard 2019) – Dutch
Reading is good for people. Reading books in particular. Time and time again, research has shown that people who read books are better informed than people who do not and are consequently better able to hold their own in society. They are more aware of their surroundings and can envisage themselves more easily in other people’s place. They are more capable of reflecting on their own conduct and on that of others. Reading books lets them acquire a wide range of skills that also make them stand out on the work floor. In fact, reading books even helps make them more healthy: firstly because people who read books are better informed about topics such as health risks and access to care, and secondly because reading books has a positive effect on the brain. Finally and not unimportantly: reading books is an exceptionally pleasant pastime that adds to individuals’ happiness and sense of well-being.
But where do these effects come from? How is it possible that you can develop these skills by reading books? And why is it important for society?
Over the years, numerous studies have been carried out into the impact of reading books from various scientific disciplines such as literature, psychology, neuropsychology and economics. Combining a large number of such studies together creates a clear overview of the effect that reading books has. The analysis of the available data keeps revealing four themes: being a good member of society and a good employee, health, and a sense of meaningfulness. For each of those themes, a picture has been obtained of why the positive effects apply not only to the individuals but to society as a whole.
1. Fitting into society
It is important for society that people behave as good citizens and shoulder their share of the burden. People who make allowances for each other, show understanding of each other and also look round at each other. It seems likely that reading books in general – and literature in particular – helps the development of motivation and the skills that are required for it.
The phenomenon known as ‘transport’ (the sensation of being drawn into the story and becoming part of what is happening) plays a role in this. You are, as it were, being carried away by the