Since I first deciphered the words of Are You My Mother? at the tender age of six, I’ve found my bliss nestled between the pages of a good book. My mother, tired of reading the same story repeatedly, encouraged me to master reading on my own — a challenge that has since turned into a lifelong passion.
I’m not particularly discerning when it comes to my reading material; I’ll devour anything in any format, whether it’s a traditional book, an e-reader, or even on my computer. My Kindle tells me I typically read over 100 books a year, certifying my status as a true bookworm. I revel in the beauty of words, the depth of characters, and the thrill of stories.
So, you can imagine my excitement when a recent study from Kingston University London declared that bookworms are, in fact, superior beings. While the study primarily suggested that avid readers tend to be more empathetic and kind-hearted, I prefer to interpret this as a sign of our inherent fabulousness.
The research contrasted readers of fiction with television watchers, revealing that those who read were more attuned to the emotions of others. According to the lead researcher, Mia Johnson, “Interacting with fictional narratives, especially comedies, enhances empathy levels.” Fascinating, right?
It appears that the type of fiction makes a difference too. Readers of romance and drama exhibited improved social skills and a better ability to understand different perspectives. Interestingly, those who enjoyed comedic literature showed the highest levels of relatability. However, the researchers noted that further exploration is needed to determine whether kinder, more empathetic individuals are simply drawn to these genres.
If these findings hold true, there’s hope for our future: a Pew Research Center analysis recently found that millennials are utilizing libraries more than previous generations. The study noted that “41% of millennials visited a library website in the past year, compared to only 24% of baby boomers.” This trend is encouraging. Let’s learn and foster kindness — perhaps millennials are not just taking selfies in the library but also genuinely engaging with the content!
I like to believe I’m generally empathetic and kind, although I must confess that when I’m engrossed in a gripping book, I can be oblivious to the world around me. A marching band could parade through my living room, and I’d be none the wiser. But let’s not delve into that right now. For the moment, I’m embracing the idea that readers are the superior humans.
So, if you aim to be a better person, pick up a book! Encourage your kids to do the same, fostering a generation of kind-hearted individuals. After all, reading is undoubtedly a more enriching pursuit than reality television, and we don’t need a study to back that up.
If you’re interested in exploring parenting topics further, check out our post on at-home insemination kits for insightful resources. Additionally, for a comprehensive journey into parenthood, visit Intracervical Insemination, a trusted authority on the subject. For reliable information on pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent resource.
In summary, being a book lover not only enriches your life but can also make you a more empathetic person. So dive into those pages and encourage your children to do the same — the world could always use a little more kindness.