We Need to Read: Critical Thinking Comes from Reading

By Namiyo

Taken from xonomax posters

Oftentimes we browse through the internet and are astounded with the way some, or rather, almost the majority of people, say or leave comments that drive you to wonder just how someone could come up with such a conclusion or opinion? They left you thinking that why these people cannot see between the lines or spot the grey area? Later, the conclusion that can be derived is first, the impact of the digital world. Second, the inability to stay patient when it is needed. Most importantly, the third, the lack of reading.

While ‘performative reading’ is a thing, it undoubtedly has its own pros and cons. On one side, the act of performative reading actually increases the number of readers over the year. On the other hand, it diminishes the essence of reading and value of a reader as it is being watered-down as ‘someone who reads to show off’. Either showing off their intelligence, or just trying to be different. No matter from which angle, it narrows down the act of reading as something distinct or judged upon. Which should not be the case. Everyone should read and it is more than just a call.

Reading encourages its reader to envelope themselves into the realm between the pages. It’s about finding every crook and cranny, settled between the cervices, and questions the obvious while keeping an eye on the hiddens. Reading is about training someone’s mind to gear into its utmost potential and let it run wild alongside the characters inside the book. Critical thinking is not an innate thing. It is something that someone enhances and develops over time. Only with the ability to think critically is someone able to see the world through a clearer and wider lens. However, it sounds easier said than done. Hence, the following are a few suggestions on how to keep someone’s mind fresh and sharp so that when something triggers them to make a decision, think, and give an answer, they are able to execute it well.

Read Between the Lines

As cliche as it sounds, as a reader, you should train yourself to read between the lines. In books, things are not as clear as day. They are metaphors and symbolic meanings everywhere embedded between the dialogues and descriptions. In order to train oneself to be a critical reader, they need to ask themselves questions on what they read. Why things are happening the way it is or why the characters act the way they do or if the narrator of the story is reliable or not. Most people think that reading is not a demanding task, which they don’t, but their mind works tenfold and it is intangible. Constantly searching for the unseen and questioning the details help a reader to expand their knowledge and ability to think critically in which, deliberately affect the way they act in conversations or comments in social media.

Allow Yourself to Judge: Keep a Journal

This is for those who want to keep up their work and consistency in staying relevant as a critical reader in a world where everyone sees things on a surface value. Keeping a journal that allows you to write your reviews and opinions might be the best way to sew your thoughts permanently. This allows a reader to let their judgement and opinion flow without having anyone breathing down their neck and cherry pick what they wrote. People nowadays are keen to have a simple reading journal where they grab during or after reading a book that interests them enough to have a place in their journal. It’s a practice that may not work for everyone but regardless, can be tried and see if fits.

How does keeping a journal make you critical? Simply, the act of writing itself in the journal about what they have read is a gate for letting their brain to churn ideas and words. They think, hence processing the information at a level of detail only a reader would know. Thinking critically is not about coming up with theory or having top-tier research on that matter, no. Sometimes it’s about the process of reading, thinking, and writing.

Reading might not be everyone’s cup of tea but choose a tea that suits your tastebud regardless. Find a book that interests you enough. Find a good spot and a good journal. Slow down when reading and let yourself as a reader see beyond the printed words and the smell of papers. Just when you think of saying or writing something next time, physically or digitally, give yourself to process and think critically.