On Reading a Lot
Nov. 15th, 2013 08:24 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
forestofgloryYesterday a class mate mentioned that I read a lot. This is true, but I never know what to say when people bring it up.
In our culture reading has a special virtue that other forms of entertainment don't. But I don't read to to be virtuous, I just read because I like reading. I am frequently asked "How do you find time to read?" I make time to read because it is one of my favorite things to do, and because it helps to maintain my mental health. My first year of grad school I read way less and was unhappy.
When people comment on my reading it feels like they are complementing me, there is cultural subtext of virtue there. It is awkward. It is not a direct complement, so I can't just say thank you and move on.
In our culture reading has a special virtue that other forms of entertainment don't. But I don't read to to be virtuous, I just read because I like reading. I am frequently asked "How do you find time to read?" I make time to read because it is one of my favorite things to do, and because it helps to maintain my mental health. My first year of grad school I read way less and was unhappy.
When people comment on my reading it feels like they are complementing me, there is cultural subtext of virtue there. It is awkward. It is not a direct complement, so I can't just say thank you and move on.
