The Evolution of Reading: From Books to Life

Books are an enduring medium of reading, as are newspapers and magazines. Yet, in recent years, there has been a seismic shift in how we consume information. The tactile charm of flipping through printed pages remains a nostalgic pleasure for many, but the internet has redefined the reading landscape. Its speed, convenience, and cost-effectiveness deliver a world of knowledge at our fingertips, surpassing traditional mediums in reach and accessibility.

This evolution invites us to broaden our perspective on reading. It’s not confined to printed books or glossy magazines; the essence lies in the act of engaging with words, ideas, and thoughts—regardless of the medium.

But reading is more than just deciphering letters strung together to form words and sentences. It extends to interpreting life itself. Perceptions, observations, and reflections are forms of reading too. As the celebrated Chinese novelist and philosopher Lin Yutang once remarked, “The wise man reads both books and life itself.”

History’s sages—Buddha, Nanak, Kabir, and Bulleh Shah—found their wisdom not in the dusty volumes of their era but in the living, breathing text of life and nature. They “read” the world around them and in doing so, uncovered universal truths. Bulleh Shah eloquently captures this in his verse:

“Parh parh alam te faazil hoya,

Te kaday apnay aap nu parhya ee na.”

(“You read to become all knowledgeable, but you never read yourself.”)

So, whether we’re poring over a novel, scanning an online article, or contemplating our inner world, reading and writing together create a dialogue—a cycle of learning, sharing, and growing. It is through this harmonious exchange that we truly connect with the world and ourselves.

True understanding begins with self-awareness. This inward reading—the study of one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions—is as profound as any scripture.

Yet, reading finds its fullest expression when it flows into writing. These twin acts—absorbing and expressing—are inherently symbiotic. Contemporary author Pam Allyn beautifully illustrates this relationship: “Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out.”