How do you prioritize reading with the rest of your life?

Question

Do you let reading books take last place behind work, social events, housework, eating, etc? Or do you fit it into your schedule because you believe reading is as important as other things in your life?

Answer 1

I love to read and make time for it every day. When I die, I'm sure one of my last thoughts will be "Oh crap! I never got to finish........."

Answer 2

It depends how good the book is. If it's really good it comes before almost anything. That's not always good though when you're going to school lol.

But reading is important. The Wall stated that books will always be around and that you'll miss out on something because you can't redo the past doesn't know what he's are talking about. Books can give you knowledge about something that you didn't know existed and could somehow lead your life in a new direction. Reading and gaining knowledge will never hold you back. You can tell he doesn't read by the way he spells lol. You don't have to change your whole life to read. Either do it while you're at lunch, on a break, when you want to relax, etc. But if you really want to read and you feel like you don't know where to start, designate a time every day that you can set an hour or so of reading. Desiginating a time will get you into the habit of reading more.

Answer 3

I read very regularly. I love escapist reading. I just find myself going where there characters are and doing what they are doing. It is really fun when it isn't like your own likfe. I periodically fit in a non-fiction book and learn something I didn't know. Of course I pick something I think I would be interested it. I find reading a great de-stressor. I carry a book with just about all times. If you have an appointment and have to wait, reading takes the anxiety or stress of the wait away. If my car breaks down (not so much anymore), then I can read waiting for the tow truck. Anyway, I think people who don't read miss out on a whole lot. They wouldn't even have an idea as to how much unless they got into it like an avid reader. I wouldn't read when I'm expected to work. I do find that I will stall housework to read, but housework will alway be there. I have taken books to family gatherings and have to force myself not to read so that I spend time talking. I think I can sometimes appear that I am not a social person, though that is not so. It can be rude if you are with people and they expect you to join in the conversation. I have intentionally left my book at home or in the car so that I would not be tempted to read. I have read while I am eating, if I am alone.

Answer 4

I never read. That is a good method, don't you think.

This obsession with reading in the modern world is ridiculous. Great philosophers of the past wrote books in an effort to communicate great ideas, but even those ideas derived from their engaging of the real world in observation, in life.

Most modern men can't even understand their concepts, so reading anything most people write is futile anyway.

Patrick Henry was a relatively uneducated man, certainly compared with many of the rest of the founding fathers, but he was one of the most adept lawyers of his day. He admittedly didn't read much, but when asked about it he said that he "read men."

Start focusing on real life and screw the reading.

By the way, this comes from a highly educated individual who has read most of the great literature of the western world, as well as some of the rest of the world besides.

Give up the I read therefore I am a solid person myth.

Reading should take last place behind all of these things, because turning my mind in upon my own thoughts, and retreating into some place of solitude and introspection in my head is not healthy, and it doesn't actually accomplish anything, whereas work, eating, social events, housework, etc. are activities that fulfill valid needs of human interaction and basic human living.

Get out of the ivory tower and live a real life.

Answer 5

I think that reading should be thought of as any other regular activity. I don't think it is necessary to eat, think, and breathe books, but it is always good to read. Reading (at least good books, that is,) enhances the mind. I personally make time for reading the Bible everyday, and I believe it enhances my life. It should be considered as a hobby I think, the same as anyone would consider such things as shopping, gardening, working out, etc. I do not, however, let reading books take the place of other more important things (the Bible is exempt from this.) Like, I would never not go to an event to sit at home and read. If you have time during the day for yourself, then I think reading is a great way to fill time. It is better than watching TV.

Answer 6

Reading is an essential part of my life. I read two newspapers a day, plus I always have a book I am reading. I usually read 2-4 books a week. Plus I read magazines. That doesn't even count the reading I do for work. Or the things I read on the Internet. I can't go to sleep without reading something in bed, at least a few pages. I don't think about making time for reading. I just worry about making sure I don't run out of things to read.

Answer 7

Reading is a very important part of my life. I work very hard to take an hour each day for lunch and spend at least half of it reading. I also look forward to long air trips some times, because I can read uninterrupted for 2 to 3 hours (great for weightier or more intense books). I even took advantage of being in a cast for 4 weeks during summer break in college, to take on War & Peace in one go (not worht the broken ankle, but glad I did becasue, I'd bnever have another chance like that).

In term of choices, I read a lot of history, science, and science fiction, but try at least ever couple months to read a some classic fiction from an author I've never read before (e.g., DH Lawrence) or only in high school. Also I try an by something from a new author a couple times a year.

For me, reading is a great way to stretch the mind beyond daily life, make traveling to new places more enjoyable, and think about bigger issues once in a while.

Answer 8

The problem with today's adults is that they don't realize that education doesn't stop after one gets ones desired degree. Because if one stops reading after they get a career or kids etc. then ones mind slows, and loses it's edge.

So I think you should make a priority to read for at least half an hour every day, and make sure that you read enough to fully understand your position in your countries issues. Also if you have a family, career, or social life that spills over past the 9 pm mark then you need to re-arrange those factors to give you some peace after hours.

Another thing is when I looked at your question and answer page I noticed that you do spend at least a few hours every week on yahoo and I personally think that reading is more important than the Internet.

Answer 9

Reading is one of the most important t tools to keep your mind renewed in life. I have even heard that people that have reached the retirement years of life will keep a healthier mind if they read more often. My Dad has reached 73 years old and can ask me questions about topics that are related to history and about issues of life and it blows my mind how much information he knows and it is all because he takes a couple of hours a day and reads content books pertaining to history. I am almost through with college and I honestly believe that he could teach a history class. Why? because of reading.
I enjoy reading now but I have other responsibilities that must come first. When I have couple of days off, I would rather pick a good book than go on a trip.

Answer 10

I always keep a book with me. I make it a point to read at least one chapter a day, which really ends up being more like seven chapters and my teachers start lecturing me, because I haven't been paying attention in class. I guess I prioritize books WITH school, housework, eating, and whatnot. I read when I eat, in class, when I vacuum, even when I'm doing dishes. Which is the hardest to do, obviously. Reading is definitely an important part of my life, as it should be for a growing mind like mine. There have been scientific studies that show when a child reads, he or she uses certain parts of his or her mind that concern analysis, cognative senses, recognition, etc. Using these parts of the mind help a child grow into an alert individual.

Answer 11

I own a used bookstore - so, in a way, reading is my job! I'm always reading - but then I need to know what books to recommend to my customers, right? There are so many good books out there - some for fun, and others we can really learn from.

When I was in college I didn't let myself read for fun - because I would do that instead of study. but I did read my textbooks (I had professors who would ask questions on tests based on captions of the pictures in the books).

But, I do have to prioritize my reading - I fit it into my schedule, but I try not to let a book overcome me so that I don't do anything else. Though I will stay up all night to finish a great book!

I believe reading is as important as other things in my life - I wouldn't own a bookstore if I didn't! You can learn so much from books. I love to read!