Reading shapes our ideas, behavior and view of life. While there is a premium value attached to everything that’s new, it’s best not to assume that it’s also better.
Old books are tried and true
While brand new books appearing on the shelves give a sense of challenge and discovery, they may not stand the test of time. Old books have made their mark, influenced many readers and gained a cherished place in their favorite list. They have roots in memories and they stand out for people. They mean something and the lapse of time has not erased their value. In fact, every time you open an old book, just the fact of holding it after so long has passed since it was first published can give you a glimpse of just how strongly it connects to readers.
Old books keep you grounded
You may think that only freshly printed volumes reflect the echoes of what’s happening every day around you, but between the pages of an old book you will discover a different setting and time which will improve your focus. Older volumes bring context and general principles and, as it often happens, stepping completely outside of a discussion, weighing the different perspectives, will help you come back with a new answer to any debate.
Don’t abandon the old books in a forgotten nook of the house. Re-read them from time to time, try to imagine how the story would look like in modern times and get involved in analyzing your favorite characters.
Some of the books that appear today will become classics and a staple for future generations and they will shape beautiful memories around them until they fully update their status.
A good idea would be to take a ticket to the past with an old book, for every two new books that you read. Get quirky, funny, emotional and just about any volume that means something to you.
Travelling between worlds, catching a glimpse of long-ago places matched up with thrilling and colorful narratives will get you closer to the core of each story. No page is bare of meaning, it only turns blank or dull when you see it as a chore.
Your books, your approach, at any age constantly reshape the NEW YOU.
