There's No Such Thing As A "Non-reader"

Up to 25% of American adults consider themselves 'non-readers'

In 2021 a Pew Research Center poll brought a disturbing trend to the public eye. Talk to any librarian or English teacher and they would probably tell you that they knew it long before the poll came out. Whether people were surprised by the results of the poll or not, the data was there nonetheless : around 25% of Americans had not read a book in the past year in any form (physical, online or audio book).

When you consider the greatest minds of all time we often picture men like Socrates and his scrolls with students scurrying around him, Marcus Aurelius and his Meditations, Shakespeare and his volumes of plays and George Washington and his extensive collection of books which included his private journals. The world as we know it was formed by men and women who worked ahead of their own experience by getting early insight from the words of those who lived before them. They gained knowledge, insight into the human condition and trends of history. Their writings appear to be the words of prophets when in reality, they were people watching a snowball go downhill and simply stating it would reach the bottom.

Their depth of wisdom was reflected even on the uneducated men that followed. If you read letters of Civil War soldiers and correspondence from simple farmers and peasants, their range of vocabulary and emotional intelligence betrays a culture that was rich with literature and an appreciation for introspection.

But since then man has evolved...somewhat.

We have more information than Homer and Thomas Edison ever could have imagined in the palm of our hand. With the touch of a button we have the answer to how many atoms are contained in the human red blood cell and how many stars are estimated to be in our galaxy. And yet, in between the hollow space between these momentous galaxies, we are empty. Why is it that the void from physical eternity to our inner fabric contains nothing of substance?

Our connection to the world beyond what is physical has become overlooked. We seek pleasure over pensiveness, dopamine over discovery, and connectivity over connection.

The residual effect is that, as a society, we have lost the desire to read in favor of instant gratification. That's not to say we have no taste for what the books contain. In the pages of literature, history and philosophy, lie the deeper roots of what we actually seek when we doom scroll on a piece of glass illuminated by blue light.

I digress.

In my time as a teacher, I have had many students tell me that they 'do not like to read' or that they are 'not a reader'. This is hogwash. Without hesitation I told them so. In the history of mankind divulging his thoughts in written form, there are an estimated 185,000,000 unique books that exist today. To tell me that you can instantaneously rule out 185 million pieces of writing with the shrug of your shoulders is lunacy. Whether you have the self discipline to engage your mind with text is another story. But as long as you have the capacity to read and the interest in anything other than yourself, there IS a book that exists out there in the world for you.

My suggestion to anyone who does not enjoy reading is three fold.

First, write down a list of all of the topics that you have an interest in. This is your list; no need to impress anyone. It can be passing interests like cars, clouds and the creation of candy. It can be passions like military service, social issues or building a business. It can be dreams and goals you have or a desire to escape for a moment. Regardless of what it is, it is yours.

Second, compile a list of books or even articles that you will attempt to read. It helps to pick items written by people you already have an interest in. If I'm looking for books on cooking, perhaps I'm already familiar with Chef Gordon Ramsay. I should select some of his work to spark some initial interest and investment. Once your list is set, go to your library, online or to the bookstore and get a shelf's worth of work.

Why?

Because it's easier to read if you're already surrounded by books. Just like it's easier to swim if you're surrounded by water. Kids born in the snow spend more time in it. Kids born in the mountains spend more time hiking on average. The principle remains the same. So buy or get as many as you can.

Third, carve out a little bit of time each day where your distractions are away, you have quiet and comfort and everything you need and read for the entire time. It helps to also save some time to think or even write about what you just read. It helps you process the contents and can even help you gain a deeper appreciation for it.

If it turns out you didn't like the book, that's completely fine. Try another one. That's why you have an entire list. You didn't waste that time. You got better at reading and odds are, you learned something in the process.

This is a long journey and a discipline that is formed in time. Be patient. The reward greatly exceeds the sacrifice you offer.

Best of luck and go read something!

Michael Hernandez