ISLAMABAD:
We often talk about the libraries — big and small — that used to dot our country and others in the Muslim world. These books have the power to take one into a fantasy world of treasures and flying carpets, a world of magic, science and inventions. When reading such books, a sudden nostalgia overcomes us and we feel that along the years we have lost the ability to tell stories that touched the very depths of our hearts.
The culture of reading books and sharing knowledge is one we have long adorned and still take pride in. However, with the advent of technology and social media, majority of people have stopped reading books altogether. The reading culture seems like a distant memory. Conversations about books are a rare occurrence and libraries seem lost in the busy world where TikTok and YouTube videos appear more important than turning a page of a book. Moreover, reading books has now become a luxury not everyone can afford. Many people do not even have the access to books, or libraries. Others do not have the time to understand how important the concept of reading a book can be for the human mind.
We need to encourage and promote the culture of reading as it instils tolerance, broadens our world view, and develops creativity. ‘Adorning minds’ should again take preference over ‘adorning bodies’ and racks should be again filled with books rather than decorations. Let’s bring back that culture where we value the wisdom of books more than we value the likes of our social media posts. A cup of tea over a discussion of a book is perhaps what we need to make this world a better place.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
