I overheard someone say that they had never read a book. What do you think about

1. 68

   Leanne1783posted 12 years ago

   I overheard someone say that they had never read a book. What do you think about this?

   replyreport
2. 87

   Doc Snowposted 12 years ago

   I think it's appalling, of course.  But I wonder what the story behind that declaration is--can they read?  Are they 'determinedly anti-intellectual?  How do they feel about that?  And is it really, literally true?  They're sure missing a lot.

   replyreport
3. 57

   JBunceposted 12 years ago

   I wonder how old this person was. Assuming they've gone through school, it's difficult to imagine they could have graduated without having ever read a book. Though it is possible they meant OTHER T HAN school... I know a bunch of people who claim to have never read a book for pleasure or education on their own. Though I think that's rather sad, and any person who can truly say that is missing a lot.

   replyreport
4. 68

   Nellieannaposted 12 years ago

   It's incredibly sad.  A book involves the reader in the story or the information as no screen can engage him, if, indeed, he at least watches screens to read, be informed or be entertained.  One wonders how much of what he gets that way really has a foundation to which to relate if the person never has read a book!
   
   The learning of history, how our world is organized, a vocabulary and good writing skill is largely learned by reading good writing.  Even better knowing oneself and others, as well as understanding relationships is enhanced by reading about human behavior.  Reading is a basic foundation and pillar of education.  It's sad if it's skipped over, neglected or given contempt, as it sometimes seems to be, as in this case you overheard.
   
   However in our modern mode, non-reading will surely become more and more typical, to the detriment of individuals and the human species.
   
   Have I expressed what I think fairly adequately?  :-)

   replyreport
5. 72

   Daisy Mariposaposted 12 years ago

   Have you considered that the person might be illiterate, that they never learned to read, that they have a learning disability, that they have a vision problem, that they have dyslexia, or that education was never stressed in their family?
   
   It's sad that there is someone who has never read a book. It's even sadder that there are people living in the United States who have gone through the educational system without learning how to read

   replyreport
6. 60

   brieliseposted 12 years ago

   Honestly, my boyfriend has never read a book outside of his education. He's a very slow reader and is better at math and science. It kind of goes both ways because while I devour books, I barely made it through algebra and never went beyond it (I don't even know what trigonometry is). He may not be a big reader, but that doesn't mean he isn't intelligent. My mind goes blank when he talks about his "aerospace engineering", even though I've read hundreds of books. And yes, I completely disagree with the fact that people who haven't read books are boring. They probably just have different knowledge or interests to offer. As for literally having never read a book, I don't see how you could have gone through school without reading something - an illustrated classic perhaps??.

   replyreport
7. 60

   americababyposted 12 years ago

   I could write a book about this subject.  That's how much I know about it.

   replyreport
8. 61

   freecampingaussieposted 12 years ago

   My first thoughts are " How sad " & wonder why they haven't read one . Maybe they were never encouraged to .
   However as much as I enjoy reading - people who read all the time can be more boring than those who don't read as they often don't want to do anything else .
   I used to try allsorts to drag someone away from a book - come play cards/ go for a swim/ etc - no way she would not get her nose out of the book !

   replyreport
9. 69

   onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

   Without having met, or talked to this person............I have no jugdement...........
   
   
   I, most certainly, will not jump to the conclusion that they are " stupid" or "
   ignorant".
   
   
   
   This person, just might be, the MOST qualified to write a book...........perhaps on survival.......how to get along with neighbors.......how to barter........how to live........how to make.......
   
   THIS is the person, that legends are made of!
   
   This just might the character of my lifetime~

   replyreport
10. 64

    LoriSoardposted 12 years ago

    How do you get through school without reading a book?

    replyreport
11. 60

    hawkdad73posted 12 years ago

    Did they mean that they had never read a book all the way through? I would believe that.

    replyreport
12. 78

    molometerposted 12 years ago

    I think that is a very sad statement to make. What they have missed is incalculable.

    replyreport
13. 93

    sangreposted 12 years ago

    Sadly, this is the case a lot of the time. Most people now are into video games and such. Only a select few of my friends read, the other would just about read the paper.

    replyreport
14. 68

    Leanne1783posted 12 years ago

    I never assumed that the person was in some way unintelligent or disabled, it was a passing comment on a commuter train that I overheard.
    
    I agree that it is almost impossible to go through life with reading a book, especially if you are educated. However there are exceptions, where people do not have the same opportunities as others.
    
    It is a great shame that people don't enjoy to read but maybe it is to do with the world we live in today, with its instantaneous news and channels offering a plethora of entertainment and information at our fingertips it is not surprising people don’t pick up a book and let the story unfold in their own time...they want the details now.

    replyreport
15. 81

    Seeker7posted 12 years ago

    If what the person said is true then I honestly feel sorry for them. Books open up a new world and add great dimension to your life - especially when we go through those grey, dull patches that we all experience. If I met the person I would be tempted to say to them to 'get a life' and start reading!

    replyreport