We are always moaning about the lack of time to peruse a good book or two. Never mind that too much odd that precious resource goes into watching television or frittering about on social media. But what should we read?
As with any leisure-time activity, we need a balance of fun and learning . Reading only serious books might make for very dull time while conversely leaving out the learning means we have been less than productive without time. Here are some themes you may wish to explore.
*Philosophy. There is such a wide variety to choose from but it is usually better to start with simple, basic stuff. Philosophy asks fundamental questions about the nature of everything and it is amazing how the Greek and Oriental philosophers, hundreds of years ago, asked the questions science is only now beginning to answer. At the individual level, developing a personal philosophy helps make sense of the confusion around us.
*Biographies. This is a wonderful way to be inspired by stories of great women and men. As opposed to autobiographies, these provide and opposing view which otherwise is lost in the self-aggrandizing style of the protagonist. There are great historical characters as well as titans of the worlds of politics and business to help us along.
*Fiction. Getting lost in other dimensions and fantasies can take us out of mundane, day-to-day existence and into an exciting space. Action thriller, nether-worlds, romance, and science-fiction all await our curious minds. Caution: Don’t forget to return to your routine life after the adventure is over.
*Psychology. ”Why do we do what it is that we do?” These and other questions are explored in the various branches of psychology that exist today. The origins of each movement are as fascinating as the body of knowledge to prove on disprove theories about human behaviour are insightful.
*Humour. How would we survive if we didn’t have the gift of laughter? From satire to cynicism, from tongue-in-cheek to high-brow stuff, humour is the oxygen we all need to survive in this mixed-up, muddled-up world. Humour denotes a very high level of intellect as it is non-linear and requires you to break many mental boundaries. Of course, the ability to laugh at one’s self is priceless!
As we often say, ”Leaders are Readers;” give yourself a boost by reading and, once hooked, pursue the habit for the sheer joy of it.
By Leon Menezes. The writer is professor-of-practice at the IBA Karachi, a senior HR practitioner and a executive coach.