Reading has been one of the most popular and productive pastimes since humans learned how to read. We’re figuring out more and more ways make reading more accessible, with ebooks and audiobooks, as there are people who are unable to keep their eyes off whatever they need to for long periods of time. Why is this important? Well, because reading is strictly an “advanced intelligence” activity. Household animals, like cats and dogs, do not qualify as “advanced intelligence” and as such, they do not give a damn.
A lot of our pets tend to enjoy our attention, even cats who like to pretend that the fact they’re in the same room as you 90% of the time is a total coincidence and not because they absolutely adore being around you. So when you’re engrossed in a good book, and reading, it’s not unusual for your pet to interrupt because they want a bit of attention. Can you blame them? They love you. They want to spend time with you. That’s why they think reading is for nerds!
If you don’t think reading is that important, first let me point out the irony of having read that, and secondly direct you to Prince George to tell you why it is:
Reading is fundamental to functioning in today’s society. There are many adults who cannot read well enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. That is a scary thought – especially for their children. Filling out applications becomes impossible without help. Reading road or warning signs is difficult. Even following a map becomes a chore. Day-to-day activities that many people take for granted become a source of frustration, anger and fear.
Reading is a vital skill in finding a good job. Many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job performance. There are reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Poor reading skills increases the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace. A person is limited in what they can accomplish without good reading and comprehension skills.
Reading is important because it develops the mind. The mind is a muscle. It needs exercise. Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability. Teaching young children to read helps them develop their language skills. It also helps them learn to listen. Everybody wants to talk, but few can really listen. Lack of listening skills can result in major misunderstandings which can lead to job loss, marriage breakup, and other disasters – small and great. Reading helps children [and adults] focus on what someone else is communicating.
Why is reading important? It is how we discover new things. Books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. A person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. We live in an age where we overflow with information, but reading is the main way to take advantage of it.
Reading develops the imagination. TV and computer games have their place, but they are more like amusement. Amusement comes from two words “a” [non] and “muse” [think]. Amusement is non-thinking activities. With reading, a person can go anywhere in the world…or even out of it! They can be a king, or an adventurer, or a princess, or… The possibilities are endless. Non-readers never experience these joys to the same extent.
What do you think? Tell us if you would try to read with animals like these harassing you! Or if you have similar stories down in the comments.