Banyan Bat: 📚 The Lost Art of Reading — And Why We Must Bring It Back

A few days ago, I wrote about how writing is slowly fading from our lives—and why it desperately needs a revival. But writing isn’t the only silent casualty. Reading, too, is on life support. And if we don’t act soon, we may lose one of the most timeless habits that shaped who we are.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
— George R.R. Martin

Do you remember the last time you got lost in a book?

Not just skimmed headlines, not doomscrolled your social feed, but really fell into a story—where minutes became hours, and a chapter became an entire evening?

If that feels like a distant memory, you’re not alone.

We live in a world of blazing reels, 2x speed podcasts, and "tl;dr" summaries. The rhythm of life is so fast, reading sometimes feels like a forgotten luxury. But perhaps, it’s time to dust off those paperbacks (or power up the e-reader), because reading isn’t just nostalgic—it’s necessary.

1. A Short, Beautiful History of Reading

Reading was once a quiet revolution. When Gutenberg printed the first books, knowledge leaped beyond monasteries and reached every curious mind. Libraries became temples, and readers, seekers of truth.

In ancient times, people read aloud—then silently, then voraciously. For centuries, to be well-read meant to be well-versed in life. Books traveled across time, generations, and cultures—carrying wisdom in ink and paper.

But then... came autoplay.

2. The Underrated Magic: Benefits of Reading

📖 Expands vocabulary and deepens comprehension
🧠 Boosts memory and focus
🧘 Reduces stress—sometimes more than meditation!
💭 Enhances empathy by letting us live others’ lives

It’s a workout, but for your imagination. With every page, your brain builds new connections, makes predictions, fills gaps, imagines tone, pictures faces.

TikTok doesn’t do that.

3. But Videos Are More Fun, Right? Not Really.

Sure, videos are flashy. They’re fast, loud, addictive. But they’re often passive. You sit back and watch. The story unfolds for you.

With reading, you co-create the world.

A haunted castle isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
A hero’s decision isn’t just told—it’s wrestled with.
That twist ending? You didn’t see it. You earned it.

4. Reading vs. Videos: Cognitive Advantage

Studies show readers retain information longer and understand nuance better than video watchers. Why?

Because reading activates multiple areas of the brain: language, memory, critical thinking, and imagination. It slows you down just enough to process and reflect.

Videos? They often rush past details like a news ticker on steroids. They entertain, sure—but rarely enlighten.

5. Why Blogs Beat Vlogs (Sorry, YouTube)

📝 Blogs allow pause and ponder.
You can skim, scroll, highlight, reread—your way, your pace.
They respect your time. No waiting for a “like and subscribe” moment.
They don’t yell at you with flashing thumbnails.

And guess what? Good writing feels like a quiet conversation, not a sales pitch wrapped in a skit.

6. Your Eyes Will Thank You

Let’s be real—hours of screen glare is brutal. Eye strain, dry eyes, headaches—the digital fatigue is real.

Reading, especially on paper or e-ink, is soothing. It feels like sipping tea on a rainy day compared to chugging espresso shots while staring at your inbox.

7. The Gift of Slowness

When you read, you slow down.

You wonder, What will happen after 10 pages?

You pause, reflect, guess. You live in the in-between.

There’s peace in that space. The slowness becomes your sanctuary.

Unlike binge-watching, where one episode demands the next, reading lets you close the book and still feel full.

8. Still More Benefits? Of Course.

Improves writing and articulation
Encourages lifelong curiosity
Offers deep dives, not shallow swipes
Builds quiet confidence and concentration
Cultivates patience in a dopamine-flooded world

Reading is a rebellion against the algorithm.

9. Small Homes, Big Stories: The Rise of eBooks

Let’s talk practical. Don’t have space for a library? EBooks to the rescue.

Modern eReaders like Kindle or Kobo can hold thousands of books in your palm. You can highlight, bookmark, take notes, and carry your entire collection on a plane—or a train to Wakad.

Less clutter, more chapters.

Final Word: Let’s Revive the Reader in Us

We don’t have to choose between reels and reading. But if we want deeper thinking, richer ideas, and quieter minds—we have to make room for reading again.

Start small. One page before bed. One blog with your morning chai. One weekend with a good novel.