HOW ONE’S CHOICE OF READING MATERIAL REFLECT ONE’S SELF

By:  Janelle B. Alinsoot

 

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      You are what you eat? More like, you are what you read.

    If you want to have a somewhat valid presumption about the background of a certain person, try asking what his/her favorite book is. Though it might not be able to provide you with accurate nor sufficient information, it will show you something better. Something that goes even beyond what the eyes can see.

     There are things about you that even you yourself don’t know of. Things that only books can make you understand which only goes to show that you can indeed know someone by knowing what they want to know. Or what they choose to know.

     A woman who reads the works of Ayn Rand, who is known for her high regard for man’s continuous pursuit of happiness regardless of the opinion of the majority, can uphold the same values and choose to apply them in her life. A man who reads the works of Chuck Palahniuk, who is recognized for his interest in the world and its meaninglessness, can also view the world as dull and predictable.

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    Though most people don’t really let what they read affect them in any way, some read because they have the need to be understood. They have to feel that they are not alone in having these particular thoughts, in which they cannot communicate well to those around them. And a lot of people read books that counter their beliefs, in order to challenge themselves to try and to be more open to new things.

     One would never purposely read something that does not complement well with his/her existing knowledge and prevailing emotions. So the next time you want to know someone, you know what to ask them.

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ORACLE™, MARCH 2019

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