Books Are What Makes Us Human
Ever wondered what makes us fundamentally different from every other species on Earth?
Some might point to our unique cognitive abilities or the complex civilizations we’ve built.
Yet, when we delve deep into our essence, there is one thing that distinctly stands out — our relationship with books.
From ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls to the modern digital e-books, books have been, and continue to be, our constant companions.
They are silent mentors that whisper wisdom across time, space, and culture.
Through stories, theories, and ideas, books have shaped our identities, taught us empathy, kindled our imagination, and instilled us with an unquenchable curiosity about the world.
Books and Human Evolution
Let’s travel back in time to about 3200 B.C., the era of ancient Sumerians who are credited with the invention of the first known form of writing — cuneiform.
With this invention, human thoughts, experiences, and knowledge could be recorded and transmitted through time.
An extraordinary evolutionary leap that gave birth to civilization as we know it today.
Fast forward to the 15th century, Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press was another monumental milestone.
Mass production of books became a reality, sparking an intellectual and cultural revolution, known as the Renaissance, and setting the stage for the modern, knowledge-driven world.
And now, in the 21st century, the evolution continues as digital books and audiobooks make knowledge even more accessible, bringing the world’s wisdom to our fingertips and earbuds.
Books as Mirrors and Windows
Books can be mirrors, reflecting our own experiences and emotions, helping us understand and accept ourselves.
They can also be windows, offering glimpses into lives, cultures, and experiences far removed from our own, fostering empathy, and widening our perspective.
For instance, let’s recall Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a seminal book that presented the harsh reality of racial injustice through the eyes of a young girl.
For many, it was a mirror reflecting societal discrimination they experienced daily.
For others, it was a window into a world they were previously oblivious to, fostering empathy, understanding, and ultimately catalyzing change.
Books and The Power of Storytelling
It’s no secret that human beings are storytelling creatures.
Our ancestors used stories to communicate, share knowledge, and form social bonds. Books are an extension of this primal instinct.
Consider J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions.
Why?
Because these books didn’t just present a story.
They created a world where everyone could belong, where everyone could find a character to identify with, where magic was real, and where ordinary children could do extraordinary things.
They taught us about courage, friendship, love, sacrifice, and the perennial struggle between good and evil.
It’s not just the content of stories that influence us but also the cognitive abilities they cultivate.
Research suggests that reading fiction can enhance empathy, improve social perception and emotional intelligence, and even alter underlying brain connectivity, leading to improved theory-of-mind — the ability to understand others’ mental states.
Books and Lifelong Learning
Books are also invaluable tools for lifelong learning. They are our personal mentors, opening doors to any subject we wish to delve into, from quantum physics to philosophy, from ancient history to artificial intelligence.
Here are some ways in which books facilitate lifelong learning:
- Depth of Knowledge: Books provide a comprehensive understanding of topics, far surpassing what is possible through short articles or videos.
- Critical Thinking: The act of reading often involves analyzing the content, questioning it, and forming our own opinions, thereby fostering critical thinking.
- Memory Enhancement: Reading involves a complex network of cognitive processes, including working memory and long-term memory, which are exercised and strengthened.
- Improved Focus: In an age of constant digital distractions, books demand our undivided attention, training our brain to focus and boosting our cognitive capabilities.
The Future of Books and Reading
As we continue to navigate through the digital era, the format of books and reading habits are changing. E-books, audiobooks, interactive reading apps are gaining popularity.
However, the essence of books — their ability to transmit knowledge, tell stories, evoke emotions, and stimulate cognitive development — remains unchanged.
Even as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality make their mark in numerous fields, they are unlikely to replace books.
Instead, they could potentially revolutionize the reading experience, making it more immersive and interactive.
As I leave…..
As Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Annie Proulx, once said,
“We’re here on Earth to fart around, and, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And what the computer people don’t realize, or they don’t care, is we’re dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we’re not supposed to dance at all anymore.”
In a rapidly evolving technological world, books are our dance. They are our link to our past, our understanding of the present, and our leap into the future.
They are indeed what makes us human.
