Will books be displayed next to dinosaur bones in museums in a few years from now? I very sincerely hope not, but still this question lingers with an uncertain feeling in my mind so very often.
I should make my stand clear. I am no enemy to invention, technology or scientific advancement. In fact very far from IT. But I also love the old fashioned reading, touch and feel of books, the different smells from new and old dog eared books, the memories these books invoke, the ability to share, borrow, lend, marking cherished lines, simply love the physical presence of a book, as opposed to the online books and reading books using Kindle Fire and other such devices.
Please understand I am NOT dis regarding the comfort and accessibility that the online books on the cloud, that technology offers us. Technology has provided the amazing accessibility to information/books anytime from anywhere. And that is wonderfully amazingly convenient. But I also do not want the physical books becoming out of habit. These reading devices brings books and information closer to us than we think is many cases. At the same time, they make books and the reading experience twice far removed.
I always prefer to buy books as presents and would be happy if I am able to receive books the same way too. But I am coming across too many people buying Kindle/iPad and other e-readers in place of books. And I am afraid we are bringing up a generation of youngsters who do not know the value of real books. Instead they are exposed only to the devices from which they can read and do other things. Which encroaches upon their ability to read a book, complete it and think about it. Now they can read a few pages on a device, switch to game and then text some etc. Eventually reading might be the last item in the youngsters focus list with a device like iPad o Kindle. Is that healthy?
I do not want reading to be one of those extinct qualities in our children. if our children are our future, they should be able to appreciate the past a little, understand the present a little to prepare for the future. And I think real books can offer the comfort and focus to the kids than the devices. When real books are like loving grandparents, the electronic devices are the paid care takers or baby sitters. We can definitely trust them both, but grand parents are more connected to the kids than baby sitters/care takers. Whats your take on it?
No comments:
Post a Comment