How Many Books Should You Read Before 20: Insights for Strategic Reading
When it comes to reading, the traditional question of 'how many books should I read? ' often resurfaces. The answer is nuanced, as it ultimately boils down to the quality and impact of the reading rather than the sheer volume. This article delves into the importance of strategic reading and the role of personal interest in setting reading goals.
The Quality Over Quantity Approach
The amount of books one reads is not the measure of one's intellectual or personal growth. What truly matters is the information gathered and the impact the knowledge has on one's life. It's possible to read hundreds of books and not gain a single piece of meaningful information, whereas reading just one book thoroughly and absorbing its content can be incredibly valuable. In essence, it's better to read one book perfectly rather than multiple books without any takeaways.
The key lesson here is that if you read a book, make sure to grasp and assimilate its content. The act of simply reading a book without understanding it is not productive, and the time spent could have been better utilized.
The Personalized Reading Journey
The quantity of books one reads can vary widely depending on the individual. Some may find reading effortless, while others might be occupied with other pressing matters. Even a small number of books by the age of 20 can be perfectly fine. For instance, reading about 10 or fewer books in your early to mid-teens can still be considered a significant achievement. What's crucial is to consistently strive to read a few books each year, adjusting the number based on your time availability.
Based on my own experience, I read approximately 120 books by the age of 20. This number wasn't reached through a steady, gradual process; rather, it emerged during a brief period when I was deeply committed to reading. From the ages of 13 to 15, I voraciously consumed any literature available to me. However, since then, I have not been able to maintain that level of reading. This highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how many books to read. Personal interest and dedication are key factors.
The Impact of Reading
While some might argue that reading more books is better, it's important to note that even one book can be profoundly impactful. Reading is not about making people wise; it's about what one assimilates from it. The same Bible, for example, can inspire selfless service or aggressive crusades, depending on the reader's interpretation and application.
My personal experience growing up without television and the luxury of reading in multiple languages led to a high number of books read during my formative years. Reading improved my general knowledge, patience, and perception of the world. However, people can achieve the same goals through various means, not just reading.
What's more important than reaching a specific book count is developing a taste for reading and finding joy in it. Focusing on acquiring a taste for reading and deriving pleasure from it is far more valuable than hitting arbitrary targets. The real benefit of reading goes beyond the obvious, including the power of imagination.
The Power of Imagination
Imagination is a critical component of reading, especially when it comes to mental visualization. When you read a line like 'There was a single candle illuminating the corridor,' you are not just processing the words but also creating a vivid mental image. This process of imagining the environment, lighting conditions, and even the movement of the candle's beam in the breeze is an active use of your imagination. This is different from passively watching a still picture or a movie scene, where someone else makes the creative choices for you.
By engaging actively with the text, you not only enhance your understanding but also boost your imagination. This mental exercise can be invaluable, whether you're a novelist, a scientist, or simply someone who wants to develop a richer understanding of the world around you.
Conclusion
In summary, the number of books you should read by the age of 20 is a deeply personal matter. Strive for quality over quantity, and find joy in reading. By focusing on the meaningful takeaways and the power of imagination, you will truly benefit from the act of reading. Happy reading!