The more time you spend in reading books, the lazier your brain will become. – Albert Einstein
Reading is undeniably one of the best tools we have for gaining knowledge and expanding our horizons. But reading alone isn’t enough. What truly matters is what you do with the knowledge you acquire—how you apply it, test it, and learn further through action, trial, and error.
As someone who loves stories and personal growth, this question intrigued me. Reading is often touted as one of the best ways to expand our knowledge, empathy, and imagination. However, the idea that too much reading might stifle critical thinking has a kernel of truth—but only if we forget to balance absorption with active engagement. Let’s explore what this means for how we consume information and live our lives.
The Passive Reader vs. the Active Thinker
Reading is an inherently passive activity. We sit still, let the words flow into our minds, and imagine the scenes or concepts described. But there’s a catch: passivity isn’t the end goal. Reading becomes valuable when we actively engage with the material, questioning, analyzing, and applying what we’ve learned. Without this engagement, we might risk becoming consumers of information rather than creators of understanding.
Think about how often you’ve read a self-help book or a how-to guide, only to finish it and continue the same patterns you wanted to change. Why? Because reading alone doesn’t create change. It’s the critical thinking, the questioning of ideas, and the application of knowledge that make the difference. Passive reading can lull us into the belief that we’re “doing something,” when in reality, we’re simply taking in information without taking action.
Balancing Absorption, Action, and Growth
This doesn’t mean reading is bad or makes our brains lazy. Instead, it’s a reminder to balance absorption with action. If you’re reading to solve a problem, pause frequently to reflect on how the ideas apply to your life. Take notes. Question the author’s perspective. If you’re reading for pleasure, let your imagination roam and consider how the story connects to your emotions and experiences.
Reading should be a spark, not the end of the journey. For example, after reading a book about minimalism, you could evaluate your own relationship with possessions. After finishing a novel, you might discuss the characters’ choices with a friend to uncover different perspectives. These actions keep your brain engaged and growing.
Additionally, we often feel inspired and motivated when we read something that resonates deeply with us. It’s exciting to imagine making changes that align with our desires and goals. However, inspiration and motivation are fleeting. If we don’t act on them, they fade over time, leaving us stuck in the same place. While motivation can ignite the process, it’s not enough to sustain it. To carry through, you need a deeper connection: knowing your “why” and believing in what you’re doing. This belief becomes the fuel that sustains your efforts when the initial spark dims.
Most importantly, growth often comes through doing, making mistakes, and learning from them. Trial and error, experimentation, and even failure are where the real magic happens. It’s through trying the ideas we’ve read about, stumbling, and getting back up that we transform knowledge into wisdom.
What This Means for Navigating Homeless
For those navigating a feeling of being lost or seeking to rebuild their lives, this balance is especially important. Reading can provide inspiration, knowledge, and hope. It can teach practical skills, offer stories of resilience, or provide a momentary escape from daily struggles. However, it’s crucial to pair reading with action.
If you read about budgeting, put the advice into practice with small, manageable steps. If you explore stories of others who overcame hardships, identify one lesson you can apply to your situation. Books can serve as guides, but you are the one who must take the steps forward.
And remember, your “why” matters. Why are you taking these steps? What do you believe about yourself and your potential? Keeping these answers close will help you push through challenges, even when the initial excitement has faded.
The Bigger Picture: A Life of Growth
Reading is undeniably a powerful tool, but it’s only the beginning. When we read, we should do so with curiosity and intention, treating each book as an opportunity to learn, grow, and take action.
Reading is a tool, not an answer. It’s up to us to turn the knowledge and inspiration we find in books into real-world change. Whether you’re navigating homelessness or simply striving for personal growth, remember: the power of reading lies not in the words themselves but in what you choose to do with them.
So let´s take action!
Katja – Founder of HOMELESS 🌿
