Surveys continue to show that more and more people in the world today are reading less and less. Some recent surveys estimate that about 25% of American families have not read a book in the past year. I have even seen some studies put the number as high as 80%.

Many factors contribute to declining reading rates. I will list some of the most important ones.

Television – Although television may seem simple compared to more elaborate technology, it wasn’t even commercially available until the 1930s. Today, you can find televisions everywhere. Almost every household in the developed world has one or more. Families dine in front of them instead of at a table. TV time has replaced time spent on sports, family games, studying, and of course, reading. Addictive television appeals to our laziness, laziness and myopia. Instead of stimulating our minds with books, we choose to rot in front of a television. Ironically, in the long run, the reader often feels more fulfilled and happier than the couch potato.

Fast-paced lifestyle: Our culture is now focused on a constantly fast-paced lifestyle. People work longer hours and then rush through their stressful lives, with credit cards, fast food, and speeding cars. When we take a break to play, we seek the impulsive thrill of drugs, alcohol, or television, rather than long-lasting, calming pleasures like reading.

Misplaced Values ​​- We no longer place a high value on education and intellectuality. Instead, we value entertainment and athletics. Perhaps it is because technology and development have eliminated much of our need for intelligence. Perhaps we feel confident that our needs have been met and feel that we no longer need to work as a society toward important goals. As a result, we just want to kick back and gossip about Paris Hilton and cheer on our favorite sports team.

Whatever the reasons, most people in our society have given up reading for the most part. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to consider reading more. Also, consider slowing down your life, ditching the television, and reevaluating your values. Consider giving up short-term, unhealthy pleasures like television for long-term pleasures like reading. In 5 years, would you like to watch more television or would you like to read more?

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!