Reading Habits (Literature Is Not Boring)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie makes life
a wonderful journey.

            In 1925, Alfred North Whitehead wrote: “It is in literature that the concrete outlook of humanity receives its expression.” With violence and inhumanity becoming the cup of tea for the heartless, it should be the utmost concern of parents to ensure that their offspring grow up with sense and sensibility. 

           

Alfred North Whitehead,
Philosopher (1861-1947) 

From the ruthless episodes of wars around the world and the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, to the physical assault on a New Straits Times photographer, it seems like brutality and aggression have no plans to slow down. These phenomena take away peace and the beauty of life, and we should regain what we have lost, through literature.

            

             When a child is born, it means the world for the parents to hear and witness the first word uttered by their little sweetheart. To encourage the child to speak more, parents buy books and flash cards. This is the first exposure to literature. 

Reading materials for children.

          It is a smart move for parents to inculcate reading habits in children beginning from when they are toddlers. Fables and fairy tales are perfect for children’s imagination and enjoyment. To engage interest in these young readers, excellent illustrations help. As they flip through the pages, children will build their curiosity and emotions. One way to keep them close to the world of literature is by reading them bedtime stories. In the process, they will develop their emphatic feeling to help them become a selfless person later.

My book collection.

            In his column, “Beauty in words immeasurable, but real” (New Sunday Times, Sept 21), Wan A. Hulaimi suggested that children needed to learn literature and poetry as logic would not give them the answer every time. It was a good decision by the Education Ministry to include literature in the English syllabus. Unfortunately, students pay attention to details in short stories, poems and novels only for obtaining good exam scores. 

Literature is not boring. It teaches us lessons. It makes us justify our words and actions. It makes us think about others. It helps us weigh the pros and cons before finalizing decisions. And finally, it gives us a good heart.

Courtesy to New Straits Times

4 October 2014