I’m Giving Up On “Books”
I’ve gradually gotten tired of *stuff* during the past 5 years. Clothes I never wear, kitchen utensils I never use and now books I never read or just read once. All of this stuff - just a physical representation of someone else’s trademarks or copyrights - is clogging up my space and life.
I’ve been fairly agile in getting rid of most stuff - including physical DVDs and CDs - except for my books. I grew up in a bookstore you see so books have played a special part of my life, always accompanying me through the journey of life. But being an urban dweller one have to be frugal with space and therefore I’m getting ready to give up on all non-fictional books in it’s tactile incarnation and start reading the digital version on my iPad.
I never thought I’d do / say this but it’s time for the sake of the environment, the rain forest and my urban pied-a-terre to make the leap. I’m starting out soft with books than can be speed read, annotated and later on searched.
I’ll keep buying fictions for two reasons: the tactile sensation of turning each page in a breath-taking thriller pocket as well as the iPad’s shortcomings being used at the beach or in the hammock. One can only change so much! ;)
2010 Resolution: 101 Books
What kind of douche lists reading as his 2010 resolution? A real resolution should be about losing weight, gaining muscles, making money or getting promoted. Big time events that that are visible, competitively macho and can be bragged about at social gatherings and in (sports) bars.
I’ll tell you why, punk:
- Reading is one of the most egocentric and yet altruistic activity in the world. It demands focus, concentration and solitude; all things that are becoming painfully scarce. And it’s perfect for sharing.
- Reading is the gateway to insights, perspective and open-mindedness. It’s aerobics for the brain and honey for the soul.
- Reading is a journey and an exploration through literature, history, religion, language and all mankind. It teaches you to really think and puts things into perspective.
- Reading is the ultimate luxury as it takes both time and attention - more scarce than money and titles.
So for 2010 I’ll satisfy with only one resolution: to read 101 real books. Through these books I’ll learn patience, the value of time, expand my vocabulary in English, Swedish, Spanish and German, improve my writing, exercise my brain and find solitude. Instead of watching mindless TV, checking emails every 5 minutes or hacking on my computer while traveling, I’ll read a real book (not audio, no Kindle).
My first book this year was The Monk and the Riddle: The Art of Creating a Life While Making a Living. Today I’ll start on On Intelligence. Then I’ll proceed to reading A Peace to End All Peace, followed by El Simbulo Perdido. After that anything could happen.
