The Symbolic Power of a Book
Did you ever think about the powerful symbol one single book can become? Or did you ever think about why, when afterall, you've read the book, you still cling to it, making sure to keep it in a safe place? Why are you keeping it? Is it because you're planning on reading it again?
On my shelf I have quite a few books. Or rather, I should say, on my shelves there are many books. Have you ever asked yourself why we keep a book after we've read it? I mean, are you going to read it again?
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I've given this some thought, lately. Why do I keep all those books? I believe part of the reason why I hang on to them is because I want to "forever" keepsake the experience each book represents (...and in some strange way, the same goes for any collectible item, doesn't it?). We want to remember. Not only remember what was written, but even more so each book represents a thought or train of thought, a number of ideas and discoveries, renewed and enriched perception, even the desire for improved quality and the sensation of a better life. At least, that's what those books are to me. And that's probably why I keep them..!? | ||||
Increasing the Value of a Book
I admit, most of those books I'll never read all the way through a second time. This morning I thought about that. Why? Because some of my books are definitely worth reading a second time. Kids do it all the time, you know..? Reading the same book over and over again to a little child has been proven to be extremely effective for language development, stimulating a mental capacity and faculty of fantacy, developing memory, as well as a long list of other vital benefits. Don't you think the same benefits apply to grown-ups? Yet, I seldom bring myself to read the same book a second time. It probably is because I constantly have about 3-4 new books waiting to be read.
Another important reason for my keeping books in a valued spot of my home office is always having at my fingertips what I would call "an enlarged mind" - the extension of what I'm able to consciously retain. You see, I've marked these books and have taken extensive notes throughout their pages. Each book is almost like part of my journal. When I browse through them today, I can quickly find what I'm looking for. But more importantly, I can see and retain what I learned, thought, discovered and mentally saw when I read it the first time.
Passing on Knowledge
Besides all this, there's more to it. For instance, I'd like my kids to read some of these books. (Don't know if they actually will, but when the time is right, I make recommendations about possible reading material. For instance, right now our two oldest are both reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", written by Stephen R. Covey.) Of course, my hope is that they will benefit from these book, just like I have. In fact, my kids are already returning the favour. In a few weeks time I will be reading Harry Potter, because my kids have urged me to.
On a practical level, I like to refer to them when I write an article or a book myself. I just finished "The 3 Energies Behind Sales Success" and am already working on another one. The inspired words of inspired people inspires me to produce and share my own inspired text.
So, in conclusion, I've come to realize that there are many reasons why I keep my books. They're actually not only taking up much needed space. On the contrary, their giving me space to live my life the way I need and want to. That's why I believe the symbol and power of a book lies in how it's an addage to our identity. Each book in my shelf is part of who I am.
Comments
Very interesting
David Isaksen
Sunday 21 November 2010 8:09:51 am
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