The Power of Reading: How Literature Can Shape Your Perspective

By Ayomipo Akorede

There is one ear-rankling saying that I detest so much and consider an aberration. Or a direct intellectual belittlement of a coloured man: "If you want to hide something from a black man, put it in a book." Truth be told, as condescending as this sounds, there is a sense in it. Lots of many young people today choose movies and music over books. Then one would wonder if it is because our world is fast-paced or laziness. Is that why there are many audio book apps? 

Reading is one of the most transformative experiences anyone whose mind yearns for growth can have. Through literature, you can escape into new worlds, meet new people, and gain new insights. But reading is more than just a form of entertainment--- it has the power to shape our perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and change your life.

Reading opens up your eyes of understanding and makes you empathetic by putting you in someone else's shoes. Through the eyes of a character,you can experience the world in a way that is different from your own thereby fostering empathy and understanding, helping you to see beyond your own biases and limitations. Although very recently, Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) tried to cash in on this fact through his book, "A journey in Service", by blatantly denying and refusing to take responsibility for most of the terrible things he did as head of state. He, being the evil genuis that he is, wanted people to feel sorry for him and exonerate him but Nigerians are wiser.

Reading challenges your assumptions and forces you to question your beliefs through the presentation of the alternative perspectives and ways of thinking that will help you see the world in a new light. I remember George Orwell's "1984" classic novel that challenges readers to think critically about government control, censorship, and the dangers of totalitarianism, and superiority of any leadership over the same laws they make e.g "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others." A typicality of the current saga in the Nigerian senate where many argue that their matters are not subject to the ruling of any court of the land.  

The first time I read Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", I felt really stirred within and understood one basic thing about how to be financially stable. it was one book that fueled my personal growth and transformation. Also, self-help books like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown have helped millions of readers to develop new habits, build resilience, and cultivate a growth mindset.

The mind is a powerful tool that can imagination anything. Hence, books have the power to inspire your imagination and creativity through stories, poems, plays, biographies, etc. you can explore new worlds, meet new people, and experience new ideas. In Femi Ademiluyi's "The New Man", we see how Ayo Badejo's purist behaviour inspires his girlfriend, Sade, Chime and lots of young people who eventually start a violent revolution to have the kind of society Ayo Badejo has always dreamt of.

Words are powerful and reading is one vehicle by which they are transported into our soul(s). Many people have been able to unlock their creativity through reading and have become fantastic writers. Some have become walking libraries (by storing lots of information in their brains), some philosophers who just want to share what they know with others and some, active observers and record keepers. So, take the time to read, explore new worlds, and meet new people. You never know how a book might change your life.