What Reading Does To Your Brain

[@merphynapier42]

Since making this video, I've split my manga content and book content in two different channels. Feel free to follow my book channel if you like: www.youtube.com/@merphynapierreviews

[@sateeshparmar8201]

Please speak slowly because of there is so many people who are not quickly understand English...

[@great4ever845]

Damn would

[@ThePresentation010]

@@sateeshparmar8201 i sped that shlt up. She talks slow.

[@markianruanto8003]

This is my first time watching you, and i think you're really cute.. .❤

[@shishirkumar821]

I thought it’s written in her shirt boob hangover

[@Wafflez4all]

Entertainment wise, my favorite moments in reading are when you get really into a story then stop seeing the words and just have a movie reel playing in my head. Brains are cool, your brain is cool. Loved the video.

[@ILoveJahangeer]

Absolutely agree! I just love my brain putting all of the words in a book into moving pictures in my mind!

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Yes! But it always takes a while. That is one of the reasons why I always try to read as much as possible in one go. 5 or 10 pages before bed isn't half as immersive as 50 or more pages. The book unfolds in front of you, the more commitment you show.

[@WillEnj0y]

Am I the only one who has a hard time with this? I read the words but only get a very vague image in my head of what I am reading

[@ethandorf5828]

@@WillEnj0y Sameee. Searched for this type of comment😂🤝

[@WillEnj0y]

@@ethandorf5828 yeah, like I still enjoy reading and get stuff out of it, it I DEFINITELY would not go anywhere near calling it a movie in my head. Idk if it’s just me though

[@trickboost6236]

I once asked my father why he paid for all my books, even if I just read them for pleasure and not for school and stuff. He replied with "Because your brain needs those books in the same way your body needs food, and we don't make you pay for your food".

[@Sunflower-mz8ro]

Great parenting

[@asemahlegumede]

That's so sweet😍

[@nana70]

Aww i wish my parents would buy me some books 😅

[@abelvalente1425]

God bless him ✊🏻

[@qazedc3]

I wanna be adopted by your father

[@keylimepython641]

To quote random guy on the internet, reading is "staring at a piece of dead tree for hours, hallucinating vividly."

[@someoneintheneighbourhood7937]

I swear that person is everywhere -_-

[@deleted-qr2jf]

I wish I didn't have anphantasia so I could say that I can do this

[@playerw98]

@@deleted-qr2jf What's that like?

[@deleted-qr2jf]

@@playerw98 it's just like...​staring at a piece of paper and absorbing the information. you understand what's going on, you just don't see it :(

[@playerw98]

@@deleted-qr2jf That's so interesting! First time I've heard of this. I'm trying to wrap my mind around how you remember the stories if they aren't ever made into pictures. Really fascinating

[@kokoya400]

1. Enhances attention span 2. Engages and exercises the left temporal cortex: language, facts, memory 3. Lower risk of dementia, increase emotional regulation, increase verbal recall 4. Increases empathy 5. Benefits the brain even as an adult

[@jameshealy9976]

*laughs in irony*

[@KevGuerra]

Thanks a lot!

[@princesslacson6291]

@pk5l ouip attention span problems 😂

[@PutYoRhymeOn]

@@princesslacson6291 The irony smh

[@DarkHorseDanny]

Thanks for making it simpler

[@mohamedrifkan6577]

One of the main things I see from book readers is that they are very good at attractive speaking skills

[@alexterieur8813]

would you care to elaborate ?

[@shahidnyker2900]

What do you mean by "attractive speaking skills"? Do you mean they're well-spoken?

[@lolo20adaify]

​@shahidnyker2900 they are very well spoken and find it easy to explain complex topics and understand them too. They are good at articulating their thoughts and emotions into words.

[@FloweijFR]

I think he does​@@shahidnyker2900

[@Skyo.o]

he means good with speeches oratory skills​@@shahidnyker2900

[@eliasbischoff176]

Merphy: "here are reasons why reading is good for you" Me, watching this video while having a full bookshelf in front of me: "interesting"

[@jmpjjacobs4829]

I gave you your 42nd Like...you know what that means; have your towel ready: The most important equipment in the universe... GET IT?!?

[@eliasbischoff176]

@@jmpjjacobs4829 I raise my pan galactic gargle blaster to you

[@Tony-lc5kc]

DON'T PANIC!!

[@Elies313E]

@@eliasbischoff176 Hello fellow human with the same name as me (mine is catalanized, so in catalan it's written Elies, but in Spanish Elias). Have a good day. Also, my bookshelf is behind me...

[@eliasbischoff176]

@@Elies313E you have a good day too☺️

[@anamariaramirez9341]

Fun fact: Your brain has a hard time differentiating between fictional characters and real people. That's why you feel for the characters you love so much. You go on this journey with them wherever it leads, through the ups and downs and everything in between. They're real to you. When they're happy, you feel happy for them, and when they're sad or stressed or confused you feel that -you feel their pain and the weight of their burdens and want to take all those negative experiences away from them. It's why we grieve so much when they die. Because as far as our brain knows that's someone we love and care for who's gone.

[@marykay8587]

So much psychology I love it!

[@anamariaramirez9341]

@@marykay8587 I'm glad! 😊

[@Joyce-ff7ms]

So well said, I cried like crazy whenever my beloved fictional characters die 😂😂

[@alison-zr8zc]

i wish i could fell like that.

[@MarcelOchemba]

I know right. Reading 📚 is so cool 😎!

[@richardlitchfield1387]

When I was a child, my parents weren't really active in my development. Sure, they fulfilled all of the "legal" requirements as in feeding and clothing me, but that was all. I didn't have many friends and I was pretty behind developmentally. I was well below grade level in reading and I even had to attend speach therapy. At some point, my parents felt the ever growing need to get me out of the house. As a result, I started spending more and more time with my grandmother. I don't know how she did it, but she didn't make me read, she made me *want* to read. I went from "Green eggs and ham" to "Are you there God, it's me Margaret" to "The Old man and the sea". In a period of a couple of years it was if I became the main character in "Flowers for Algernon". I caught up to my classmates in reading and eventually surpassed them. I took to writing my own stories. I suppose it's a bit grandiose to say reading changed my life. But, I can definitely say reading brought color into an otherwise sepia toned childhood.

[@marykay8587]

I need to speak to your grandmother I'm a mother to a 6 year old who doesn't like reading 🤷😖

[@canmoose3092]

If children see influenciential adults reading and enjoying reading, then the child will read.

[@jeanniezeck6063]

God bless your wise grandmother. She introduced you to wonder, curiosity, ambition, and joy.

[@shena4872]

I wish you and your grandmother the best! Your story is amazing.

[@nunyabizness6595]

My life was similiar. The books that had an impact on me were an eclectic bunch: tom sawyer, andromeda strain, day of the jackal, star trek adaptations by james blish and allan dean foster and a few non ST books by foster and the comic books by Stan Lee. So thank heaven for Lee and Roddenberry.

[@fengkas]

3:45 "When we live in a society that's constantly trying to get information faster, constantly trying to get their entertainment faster, our attention spans just narrowing and narrowing, and reading is actually one of those things that expands that attention span alot" thank you!

[@anugnad]

😊

[@merissamakesstuff]

I have Tourettes Syndrome, and find that when I read every day, it helps me manage my tics better. My tics cause me to get agitated and make me more irritatable. People take my agitation with my tics personally even when I try to explain it to them, and I can't control the agitation very well, so I am glad to see reading improve that slightly. It is not perfect, but better than nothing.

[@lostschedule51]

Although we don't appreciate it a lot, readers have a wonderful community where even the shy people can express their love for their favourite book. That can be a benefit too because we need connections

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Someone who reads widely is almost always a great conversation partner because you know that this person is not only open to different books but open to almost everything.

[@taliw7736]

True I think it's so great how we have tons of ways to share our reading preference ☺️💖

[@paularodriguez726]

I’m a spanish native speaker but I do all my reading in english. I feel like i’ve mantained my english level high by reading a lot (and youtube lol)

[@cecilie...]

Same here but with German! Reading in English really helps me maintain my English level :)

[@cuteclau]

Same. I love reading in either language, but I intentionally try to read in English to maintain my level. So far, it's worked.

[@JV-hh8lp]

Same! I've finished high-school almost 10 years ago and there's a huge difference between my classmates' English and mine.

[@asbrightassan6127]

Im Indian and I did learned a lot of English by ready and youtube too

[@mcstabba]

I'm swedish and like to read books in english as well to maintain a decent grasp of the english language.

[@o_o-lj1ym]

Reading definitely improves your attention spa- oh look is that a bird!

[@atharvadeshpande4749]

Reading developed my attention span so mu- ooh a text.

[@AikiraBeats]

Yep that's exactly how I am

[@ailbhekeady526]

Same mine seems to have gotten worse

[@shapelessinc.8790]

Weeeeeeee. W- what were you saying?

[@thetravelinsagittarian1316]

Hahaha! 🤦🏽‍♀️😂

[@nikolasjestem1441]

I LOVE the way you speak. Your diction is perfect. Your pronunciation, fluency, voice, clearness, and vocabulary are amazing. I wish I could speak like that.

[@HELL1279]

Nobody is perfect, dear, do you think comparing yourself will make you any better than you feel right now.

[@nikolasjestem1441]

@@HELL1279 I am fully aware of that but that could be an example of hyperbole, in addition, if comparing yourself to someone else in a healthy, only motivational way, it may increase your motivation, not decrease it,

[@DR4WZ]

​@@nikolasjestem1441you realize she's behind a camera right? She's not going to let you see the parts where she messes up. You can actually see it when the video breaks. Those were times she had to correct.

[@BBaaaaa]

I found that reading helps me speak better, as in giving me a better vocabulary and articulation of words.

[@josephdangyang8613]

I so love reading. It expands my sphere of knowledge, improves vocabulary and makes me happy

[@PhantomGreyfire]

This is the sort of thing I wish there was more of. Helps people get into reading, not just entertain readers. Very well done.

[@PhantomGreyfire]

Would love to see an in-depth analysis of the role audiobooks can play in this, and the audiobooks vs. physical books comparison. ----- [Audiobooks Are Awesome](kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX7KoGx8dq-rebc) I wrote the following a while ago in a reply to the video above, and thought I would share it here because it might be helpful. Also, I'd like to see Daniel do an in-depth video comparing the two. ---- Apologies if I sound corny, and/or my selection of words is poor (English isn't my first-or second-language). I 'read' audiobooks quite often. I don't have an e-reader (but do read on my smartphone). These add up to more than half of my reading time. And I do get it-I'm a bit tired of those snobbish anti-other than-physical-text comments myself-and I agree with what you said here specifically. I don't have much solid defense for anti e-reader sentiment; however, I don't think you quite did justice to what an educated anti-audiobook stance may be (not that I believe precisely that was your intention behind this video), and so would like to offer some. These are not universal, solid, and/or objective criticisms; just my idea of what more concrete sentiments may lie on the other side of the scale here-stated such, or otherwise. Stories have been in narration far longer than they have been in print. More humans can listen to complex ideas than can read them. Printed text is very new in the grand scheme of things. True. However, our current books would not be received well if they had been recited by the village bards. I'm imagining your local storyteller reciting the latest chapter from [insert recent stellar author] every other week in the town square. Simply put, those stories were 'written' to be recited, and it's mostly the other way around now; and that makes them quite different. If one listens to the audiobook, there is a greater barrier to the pausing capability. The text of a book rarely ends up in a state where a narrow range of reading speed throughout is ideal to the consumption of the text. While one is reading, not all passages are equally heavy-hitting i.e. not equally time-requiring. There are some amazing one-liners that beg time to ponder on the spot. The narrators are quite limited in their ability to do much about this. Different readers devote different stretches of time to specific aspects, and these may not line up with what the narrator (or author for that matter) valued more in their reading e.g. detailed descriptions of clothing. The physical text on physical paper is serving a purpose other than going through and bringing the story to life in one's brain. Audiobooks may lack (and I'll elaborate on this)… character; in that they can not be same physical 'tools for adjusting one's senses' (reference to 'Psycho-Pass' season one-highly recommend by the way). One can not have as much control over the experience with an audiobook, it can feel like something pressed upon you (granted-with one's assent) rather than something you yourself are reading with agency. an extremely well-delivered lecture rather than a... companion. The ability to take your desired time with the text (and it's different quirks) can be quite important. Moreover, while there are plenty of sublime narrations, and these do potentially add (much) more to the experience than the inside-one's-head reading of the text. This is still undeniably an extra lens between the reader and the writer, and if one is purely attempting to judge how well the author managed to bring the book-experience to life through their text-you may find yourself in such a position, Daniel-it might make the job tougher if one has only consumed the audiobook, which could understate and/or overstate this ability. I have a few examples in mind, but I would rather stick to the theory here. Onto a more important point I'm actually surprised you didn't address. The grammar of the text itself. There is a quite primal and ironically difficult-to-put-into-words process through which one becomes a better and better reader. The voice in your mind essentially. I don't believe many readers pay much attention to this aspect of the reading process, but it's actually quite important. That voice changes and grows with time, and that-to a large extent depends on physical reading of text (I know a few neuroscientists), e.g. one can can increase ones reading speed more visibly (i.e. one can quite plainly see the 'improvements' in steady increments) and more universally (i.e. it translates to both audio and text) by reading physical text than by 'reading' the audiobook. The ability to write well (punctuation and all) might not develop as well if one only consumes audiobooks from a young age, those abilities become harder to master as time marches on. I could say more, but this has already become a tedious rant I did not plan on. So there. [insert appropriate]

[@ellaadair]

My dad thinks reading is a waste of time because you’re not being in the "real" world when you do it. But that’s exactly why I’m doing it. To get a break from the real world.

[@TalEl59]

I agree. The real world sucks! Reading stimulates the imagination, enables ideas to germinate and increases vocabulary and verbal expression skills.

[@tonisiret5557]

Unfortunately, I think both you and your father are trying to escape from the world. Reading shouldn't be a coping mechanism, but something you enjoy. Neither should achievement in the "real world" be the be-all and end-all of life. Maybe your father has never felt "good enough" and so cannot stop working? Either way, best of luck 👍🏼

[@MaseraSteve]

I agree with Toni, we need a balance. A book is a wonderful shard of memory if it non-fiction. It should not only be a mere distraction. It can aid you on how to live a life, and things you can learn from. Or perhaps it can be a cautionary tale of danger in certain areas of work , relationships, Or, well.. anything you can imagine.. of what the previous person have had experienced, so you can avoid making the same mistakes. It is can also be an impressive tool of survival either in nature or city life in any aspects like a weapon.

[@ZeraeBluford]

Personal development books,that make you wiser and sharper are priceless,because they add value to you,to your inner richness. But escape from reality books,don't really have many benifits,compared to self growth books,because what you learn,no one can not take it away,thats the real riches of the world,the wisdom and knowledge you gain.

[@流浪漢パリ]

Why not, instead of escaping the real world, face ourselves and understand why we depend on external circumstances to be balanced, fulfilled, happy, serene? The world is the result of Mankind’s inner values. But, surprise: once you accept the perfection of it (ie: what we vibrate shows outside, pleasant or not), you’ll see that who you are vibrates with the alike. So, if books are a tool to escape the real world (reality is not always the réfection of what is true), and not just something we do because we love books anyway, our life experiences will go on being delusory and reflect our ignorance and lack of interest for the inner side of life. For the seeds.

[@lianneeden4873]

The attention span thing is something I've noticed myself. I have ADHD and if I read more I'm more productive and just generally feel better. And if I don't read for a few days I'll immediately notice my attention span shrinking Anyway, I think I should pick up a book now

[@lowercase_ash]

Huh, I'm ADHD too, I should try that!

[@touf48]

i've got adhd too, i've read in the past, and i've noticed the same exact thing too! i haven't read in a few months though and right now my chaotic adhd brain is running wild. i'll get back into reading soon though... just after 1 more video..

[@cs2874]

Read Gabor Maté's Scattered Minds.

[@jonathancooper4914]

You won’t regret it.

[@ReginaCopado]

I also have that and I often wonder if my attention gets worse because I stopped reading, or if I stopped reading because I couldn't concentrate and then it just got worse and worse...

[@egbeolasamuel1874]

Absolutely! Reading is an excellent way to enhance empathy. I have personally experienced a significant shift in the way I perceive things since I started reading. It's like reading has helped me put myself in other people's shoes more often than before.

[@sergeifranson1636]

I always wondered how my brain would randomly supply information that I didn't think I knew or understood. It makes so much sense realizing it comes from my reading habit.

[@gremlon111]

I got into reading around November, so it hasn't even been a full year yet, but the thing I noticed most was an improvement in my memory. Never thought that I would get into reading so much!

[@hollyruth9664]

SAME! its incredible the difference it makes

[@djofortunato5799]

My brother, who is an English professor put it this way: "People who don't read fiction Don't understand Reality." One of my favorite quotes, to be sure lol

[@rolanddeschain6089]

I've been preaching that for a long time. However, I always go very far in my explanation. This quote explains a relatively complex issue very clearly or can function nicely as a supplementary mnemonic. Thanks for that!

[@klove5974]

@@rolanddeschain6089 Not gone lie, I want to hear your long explanation.

[@lotechukwuikpo]

@@klove5974 me too

[@waldverwachsen]

@@rolanddeschain6089.

[@kingyanni859]

elaborate and explain that quote to me please

[@Scottlp2]

“Your Brain on Fiction” Annie Murphy Paul has some interesting points eg “The brain, it seems, does not make much of a distinction between reading about an experience and encountering it in real life”. Also reading literary fiction is what increases empathy.

[@nitzeart]

Yeah. This is why parasocial relationships feel so real, because for all intents and purposes they are real to our brains.

[@Luke-nn4pm]

Huh only reading fantasy and sci fi must be why I'm an apathetic jerk. Still not worth it to read boring literary fiction tho

[@NamasteBbooktube]

Reading genre fiction wouldn't increase empathy, then?

[@scurrilousss]

@@Luke-nn4pm I feel this

[@Luke-nn4pm]

@@scurrilousss Ah, always nice to encounter other sarcastic nerds!🤝

[@chavss1254]

I really fell in love when I watched this video, such a nice and beautiful person you are.

[@なっちゃコポン]

I’m glad that our teacher gave us a project to create a website that shows our hobby. So I used it as an opportunity to read more and made a website where I can use it as my journal and track my reading progress (like in goodreads). Now, I’ve already read 7 books in 3weeks and I’m really loving it!

[@bharathishree9938]

I started reading at the age of 19. It was booktube that got me into reading. I was into nonfiction productivity summary. KZbin suggested me booktube. After gaining interest in watching people talk about books for hours, I tried to give it a go. Now I'm 22, not an avid reader yet, but it made me realise I love writing. I'm forever greatful for booktube community.

[@theonlyslagathor]

JOKES ON YOU I FIDGET WHILE I READ. SITTING STILL? ATTENTION SPAN? LIEEEESSSS Oh look a shiny thing!

[@vladr8968]

"Me who got ran over by a car while listening to an audiobook"

[@ananyamaybe]

i have ADHD and try to improve my attention by devouring books and this is so accurate pls-

[@hamnah9532]

wow quirky

[@Ignaz.Semmelweis]

​@@ananyamaybehow is your attention now? are you reading regularly?

[@ananyamaybe]

@@Ignaz.Semmelweisactually, yeah i've stopped reels etc. i can listen to hour long classes and can read books like i used to :))

[@nitzeart]

We have so little research into the psychology of storytelling and reading but is so fascinating from an anthropological point of view, how humans across all cultures love stories and how books are really just another extension of our love for stories.

[@spiralsun1]

Reading isn’t a sideline to life, life is a sideline to reading!!! ❤ Absolutely BEAUTIFUL video!!!! ❤

[@mjhornidge]

I love your enthusiasm for reading. Great video and info.

[@yourgo-toguy4133]

In my experience, reading has a direct and noticeable effect on my cognitive function. Mainly my vocabulary and memory, I notice these the most. I spent about 3yrs not reading any books after being an avid reader for 10+yrs. I didn’t notice the difference when I stopped reading, but when I started again I clearly felt the benefits!

[@Nurseslife4]

❤

[@veganabolic8893]

Reading is my absolute favorite hobby, I just started reading fantasy and fiction in 2018 and had to push myself really hard at first but Im SOOO happy I did. I can sit and read/listen to any book straight through now and actually LOVE every second of it. I was not a big reader before 2018, and now I have almost 150 books completed on my Goodreads account. I’m obsessed and can’t believe I was missing out on so much fun my entire life!

[@Sons_Brad_Dalton]

Yes. Understand. I know what you mean. The fun is incredible

[@Coreyjness]

This is so interesting! I never would've realized how similar the benefits from reading and learning languages are. Also, the neuroplasticity of adults is so often downplayed. It's never too late to build good habits and reap the rewards.

[@trewaldo]

The level of cerebral activity that is required in reading is higher than just watching shows. Most people would prefer watching lighter or easy-to-digest shows for relaxation or leisure as opposed to reading a book. 🥰🤓😍

[@Gigi44_Bookworm]

I’ve read 21 books this year and am so glad I found your channel today. I love to read!

[@mooahhdeeb]

Purely anecdotal here but I just had an epiphany. About a year and a half ago, I got SUPER into reading. I always enjoyed it, but it had been awhile since I had read anything. Busted through about 70 books since then and have been loving it. This could be coincidental, but it was only during this time that I managed to quit smoking and lose 60 pounds. Despite previous attempts to do so, in my past lifestyles that did not prioritize reading. Without even realizing it, it has completely changed how I dedicate myself to a complete a goal. And your channel has been a gold mine of recommendations and reviews that have helped me stay interested. So Thank you, Merphy!

[@Alex.Kondera]

I'm learning English and I'm training my listening skill. KZbin recommended you, I don't know why, but I think it's because you speak very well and clearly. I managed to understand more than 80% of the video. Thanks ❤

[@antonfernando8409]

The few times I have read, I found words are like keys that unblocks something deep within, as if something begins flow or opens up. It in turn helps in interpersonal communications. You open upto to others easily if you're a reader. Yet I am not a reader, computer or technical books may be yes , but not books about human life, thanks for this video, I am inspired, just 10 pages a day. Thank you.

[@theonlyslagathor]

Ok but more seriously, I love this video. I do think that there is a benefit to reading that is often overlooked or at least underplayed. I know that for me, half my family love reading and encourage it, while the other half finds it fine for school and keeping the noisy child quiet (but not if you're reading in public what are you showing off?), but more of a waste of money ("libraries exist it's not like you reread anything" JOKES ON YOU MOM I REREAD 90% OF WHAT I READ BECAUSE I FORGOT IT AHAHA). In terms of it making me (personally) more empathetic, I am mixed on it. I do try to view all characters perspectives and try to understand where they're coming from and why they make the decisions they do. Understanding is not forgiving or excusing and it does help me at least make sense of things people in real life do or say. But whether it makes me more empathetic I'm not entirely sure about and that's mainly because I don't know how much is true empathy or performative on my part. and that's an entirely personal issue that I contemplate a lot. There are times that you have people who are well read but miss the point of books or don't take lessons they learn fully into heart and that is disappointing, but I don't think that's the norm. Anyway this is super rambly and I need to get back to genshin. I mean reading.

[@hcstubbs3290]

I think empathy and sympathy get mixed up a lot. I think you're spot on when you say you try to understand characters actions and motivations - that's definitely empathy. But empathy doesn't mean accepting the way others act or sharing their feelings just because you understand them - that's more to do with sympathy. Like you can be very empathetic but lack sympathy and vice versa.

[@igor817]

balancing genshin with reading is the perfect world, at the moment i’m more focusing on reading though

[@ame_thyst_99]

Glad to see someone else addicted to Genshin 😬

[@marocat4749]

Beimg empathic probably makes you just understanding more, and not agree and be angry with like people who dehumanize, understanding others and how , empathy isnt tolerance of people being the worst, its just trying to get why and if its. Tolerance only works if intolerance isnt tolerated. And anger sometimes is justifi.ed

[@dimanvoltair993]

I love the way you write. It's so funny and interesting.

[@kishenravindaran3913]

I love how passionate you are about reading. I feel like reading is my escape from the day to day stresses. Some times I dive in and forget to come up for air

[@NagendraBisht7]

Q : What reading did to my 🧠BRAIN ? A: I wrote a book, only because reading pushed me to react to what I experienced in those pages. In a nutshell, reading gives you a chance to explore and enjoy the other person's experience which is entirely different from yours.

[@FrostGemMonster54]

Thank you for covering this topic, you're very charming and down-to-earth. I enjoyed that you weren't tring to demean or patronize anyone while addressing this.

[@Plaeya01]

You've earned a subscriber, ive seen some pf your book reviews but this has put you in a new light for me and I owe you the respect

[@SeekingStories]

I was today year's old when I learned the term "Doom Scrolling." Such an accurate descriptor though! Thank you for your insight on the power of reading!

[@Nasser851000]

Merphy will become a book scientist one day XD

[@ewokhugger]

I’m dyslexic but i adore reading, it will always take me longer to process a book, but dyslexia can come with the ability to visualise in 3D, plus heightened narrative reasoning skills. So although reading doesn’t come easily to me, its so worth the time because what i get to experience if more vivid than any film i could watch. Not that i dont enjoy TV But there are some characters from books that I genuinely look to when I’m struggling. I can drop out into my imagination once I’ve read a book and walk around the scenery. Reading has given me multiple havens through out my life.

[@Liquor.McMalty]

Refreshing to see a YT channel with a genuine host with an authentic and fun personality.

[@victorbitaraes3143]

This video caught my attention the whole time. And I didn't even accelerate it. I think we should be able to stop and listen to a single thing for longer, and more often, and reading provides such a training. Ultimately, I feel my attention going everywhere, and I can't concentrate so well as I could in adolescence for studying, or even watching a full movie. Social media is a tragedy for our brains. It makes us anxious and unable to bear boredom, and dumbs us down, essentially. I'm keeping more distance from my phone these days. Nice video!

[@AniCryptoEarnings]

All i know is - reading book gives KNOWLEDGE...... And knowledge is LIFE!!

[@ArielSubotzky]

"Knowledge is power" - Sir Francis Bacon (allegedly)

[@mongoliandeathworm2994]

Knowledge is Power Guard it well

[@bradleyadams1407]

Whenever I struggle with motivating myself to read, all I have to do is watch one of your videos! Your enthusiasm is contagious!!!!

[@colibri224]

I'm not a native English-speaker, yet I started to learn english because I wanted to read stories in their original language or watch foreigns movies with only english sub available. Now I can understand, speak and write in english pretty well (with tons of grammar and spelling mistakes but hey, it's better than nothing)

[@deb7674]

Me too!! Reading in english really helped me to learn the language.

[@emmanuelwolfmusic410]

There's nothing better than a cosy corner of your bed with a small light brushing onto the pages of your book like the sun over grassland in the evening. The scent, the feel of the book, and the imagination that comes from all this , well that's priceless.

[@pam8765]

I was an avid reader growing up but lost that while raising my kids. I have since rediscovered my love for reading (many thanks to you!) and I find that creating a goodreads account has helped me with my goals and accountability. And yes, the joy of a good story can still capture me! 🤗

[@GraveyardShift-tl6ri]

this was a really great watch. i was a frequent reader as a child since my nana raised me to read every day, fell out of reading during high school and just picked it back up around last december and im just in love. its very true though-- its very hard to stay focused at times because of how the internet has affected our brains, and i even catch myself getting distracted easily at times. and sidenote: its harmlessly amusing to me that people think reading is a hobby you dont get anything out of, meanwhile i feel yucky if i play too much video games and dont read because i feel like i got nothing out of it lol! priorities

[@august1837]

I love how the reason reading improves attention spam is the reason why my mom dislikes fiction or anything that has a narrative. She is always like, I want to read something that would give me the facts right away. She only reads self help because of that and I wish I could change her mind but well. This is a great video. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and those facts just encourage me to pick up a book right now

[@marocat4749]

Odd selfhelp most of the time is not direct. And vague with plattitudes.

[@byronviljoen4899]

Self help books put you in a cycle of believing you can magically change your life on a week, giving you a serotonin high, before you slowly come back down to earth and seek out the next one.

[@Super_Saiyen_Potato]

Your passion is inspiring, im a new reader, its something thats always been difficult for me, i never read as a kid, and was insecure to. I now have read 1 book a month for almost 1 year, from not reading at all ever. Ive noticed im overall more grounded, sleep better, and can pick up on peoples bs a lot quicker. Your vid was great thanks so much! ❤❤❤

[@lka8735]

3:34 nuggets of 3:23 do talking head 4:00 sit still ngồi im Hyper focus tập trung sâu 5:13 meld = combine 5:30 emotional regulation : điều tiết cảm xúc 5:35 rattle off : say quickly 6:42 morally grey (gray) characrer: Morally gray is a character who does too much bad to be a good character, yet too much good to be a bad character. 9:40 from narrow scope ; be narrowed mind; broaden perspectives 9: 57 decent human: socially acceptable or good

[@williamthach7]

I loved what you said regarding morally gray characters. Seeing the humanity in them really gives us perspective and I think nowadays, unfortunately, a lot of people lack the ability to see another persons point of view. It's especially prevalent in regards to political stances. Anyway, I'm a young adult trying to get into reading. I was inspired to read the book Dune because the movie recently came out. If I'm being honest with myself, I feel that social media is really shortening my attention span. I'm glad I came across this video.

[@scottlang7271]

William, if you are trying to get into reading, can I suggest the Emberverse series by S.M Stirling. It shows you how ordinary people react when everything familiar gets ripped away...and who they become under pressure. I loved it, especially the first two or three books.

[@mimimayhem]

Finally, someone on BookTube that's not all about hoarding and TBRs and unboxing and hauls.

[@katielynneastoria]

Thank you , I am so impressed listening to this presentation. I thought perhaps I was a dying breed. I’m in my late 60s and have been avidly reading books since about the fourth grade. (My mother told me that I was tested as reading at an eighth grade level when I was in the fifth grade.) Not a brag, but just attesting to my absolute lifelong love for reading.

[@suemooresours609]

I just stumbled upon this on youtube and OMG! I have watched it several times! I used to be a special ed teacher and was always studying brain research (on learning and reading-specifically you mentioned the left temp cortex and scaffolding of ideas). Most recently, (particularly with the pandemic and job changes), I have not read like I used to. You talked about hobbies- and I started reading again recently ...my past hobby. Thanks for getting me thinking and desire to read again! (I subscribed and look forward to hearing more vlogs soon!)

[@VinnieSajan]

I only started reading again just recently and my attention span was so small but with some practice, effort and rules in place I've been able to lengthen it and can escape into the book a bit more.

[@Tinahgirl83]

This was an excellent video! I love discussions about reading. I can always tell when I’ve spent too much time watching random short videos or scrolling Instagram because I have more difficulty settling into reading. I also find that when I’ve been doing that I have even more difficulty with slower paced fiction. I’ve been scaling back on switching back and forth between things and reading something that is a bit more challenging so that I can rebuild my focus and enjoyment. Thank you for making this.

[@soupdragonuk]

I'm 56 (yeah, I'm old), and I've been an avid reader from an early age. My dad and step-mum used to buy me classic novels for birthday's and at Christmas. I would read with a torch under my covers about Treasure Island or Robinson Crusoe. As I got older I progressed to the likes of Frederick Forsyth. Then it was fantasy, which is still my favourite genre. To walk beside the main protagonist/s and soak in the landscape is just something I find so enjoyable. I also love thrillers and crime.

[@SSandtheRVCats]

Thank you for inspiring to read. I enjoyed hearing about the benefits. I used to read so much when I was younger but then when I got online I got away from reading books. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video and give us the benefits of reading.

[@zyuh64]

It’s amazing to see someone as passionate as you that loves reading. It’s refreshing to see. I rarely find people who genuinely enjoy reading 😅 I love to read fiction as of late but I also enjoy a good book on history and non fiction self help books 😊

[@myenabei6403]

I started reading for fun around 1st grade (12 years old) and it was funny to have people think I was an A+ student, when I was struggling so hard at school. Now, many years later, reading and books are my everything. I think it is the most beautiful think to be able to read someones dreams and explore their imagination. I have wanted to be a writer and offer my crazy creativity to anyone in need of an escape or just fun. And only recently I told myself to stop worrying about what society wants, what other thinks, and finally start writing!

[@kaidynswonderworkshop]

This is a really interesting topic! I find it amazing how we can get so invested in the stories that we read till the point where it feels real. The book is a window into this otherworld that we can travel to, it makes it truly magical. You talked about the long term affects of people who read a lot, I wonder if some of the similar things would happen to people who write stories or are working on a novel on a regular basis...

[@scottaguirre1145]

As a teacher, I really love your advocacy for reading.I love what you do with this channel. I'm also a young teacher although I sound old lol

[@silentlyflourish]

appreciate the sit down talk and simplicity of the video. I started watching KZbin videos of watching others just sit and talk. Everything got so buzzed and hype now lol

[@Absalonrascon]

I like how she mentioned that a new reader struggles a lot more than an avid reader. I started getting more into reading once I got older. And I’ve noticed that it calms ADHD. It also makes me relax a lot.

[@HeidiMalagisi]

I love reading historical fiction and nonfiction and I do agree that it does broaden your perspective.

[@elisabethjmusic]

I didn’t read a single book in high school after having been an avid reader in early childhood, and then as I was packing up for college, I decided to listen to an audiobook which has spiraled into the last three years that I have been obsessed with reading once again. To anyone wanting to get into or back into reading, I would HIGHLY suggest audiobooks (Libby, my friends, is an amazing app). Since then, I have gotten back into physical reading too and I couldn’t imagine life without books. What was high school me thinking!?😅

[@josiahandre_]

Same story bro.

[@o_o-lj1ym]

I was literally just asking myself this question and then BOOM! This video popped up 😂

[@damariuswingfield2144]

I love your take on attention span. Subscribed!

[@scalvarese1]

Can I say, I love you. Your outlook on life is purely beautiful. When I finish a book especially a series, I develop a strong connection with the characters. Then become depresses once their stories end. I recently finished Asmov's Robot series, and I am still processing a lot.

[@moonstonepearl21]

Regular reading had also been shown to increase your lifespan, which is really great. Some of the reasons for this would be due to it having a calming effect and keeping the brain active which prevents dementia like you mentioned.

[@Lokster71]

I definitely find the connectivity thing is true. "All books are one book" is a phrase I heard somewhere, because everything you read starts to connect to everything else. Even when it doesn't look like it. Like your a big fat spider at the centre of a cultural web. Nice video btw. Also when it comes to reading consistency is key. I read In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. I found myself picking it up and putting it down. Not because it is bad. It is a wonderful book (split into volumes it really is one big book. A bit like Lord of the Rings.) But I found once I said to myself I'll read 20 pages a day. Slow and careful. I got through all of it. And I'm so glad I did. You can read any book if you just consistently put half an hour/an hour aside to read every day. It's just how you ring fence that time.

[@kevinmyles1158]

Thank you for making this video. I was homeschooled growing up and I feel that this was not the best choice for me. My mom refused to put me in school for religious reasons but this turned out to be a double edge sword. I was always behind in school and learning to read was a challenge for me. It was so embarrassing seeing my friends who were younger than me past me by. Being 14 years old and barely being able to read a sentence in a crowd of adults was not the best way to learn to read but it worked. I ended up getting my GED before 18 because I didn’t want to be a adult with diploma. Getting my GED was hard because I did not know how to write. The only subject I was good at was math. Currently I am attending a two year college and majoring in mathematics. So far I am doing it in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus 1&2. English class is another story though. After listening to your video I totally agree how reading improves learning.

[@joeskeptical4762]

*At one minute and forty seconds into this video, I am impressed with this young woman's speech. Almost a complete absence of filler words; this is uncommon with her generation and refreshing.* *_I will offer, theorize & guess her appetite for reading has caused this terrible condition._*

[@abbysings13]

Your hair looks so perfect omggg

[@billybilodeau1991]

I used to read a lot of non-fiction when I was in public school, eons ago. Mostly physics related or stories about the space race etc. I did try getting into fantasy, tried to reading “Robin Hood” but the old language made it hard and so I didn’t really go back. I became an electrician and there didn’t really need to read a much. Most everything is hands on and relayed verbally. Over the years I could feel the mental lag setting. Course this could be from just getting older but I felt it was from a lack of a variety of mental tasks, so I picked up reading and started with Harry Potter. Not that I am a huge fan but with seeing the movies figured it would be easier to visualize the world as I read. Have you ever forgotten to water a plant so that it wilts a bit, then after watering, it begins to perk up and come back to life, well that’s how my brain felt lol. Not that Harry potter books carry the secrets to the universe but reading them I definitely felt my brain walking up, once derelict stations in my mind started to become dusted off and used lol. I moved to to Discworld, almost literally lol, read though them all and a few five times. And now the Stormlight Archives. Reading has definitely helped my brain wake up and got me to gain a hobby I can finish lol.

[@readingisbelieving5248]

I always recommend to people who haven't read a book in a while and struggle to concentrate to try reading an audiobook along with the physical book of their choosing. Often times you'll start to read faster and concentrate better without the audio, but it can be a great way to get immersed in a book and kick off a reading habit! Of course audiobooks, in general, are also great!

[@guilhermefigueiredo3936]

A benefit of reading: when you start, you don't want to stop reading! A malefit of reading: YOU DON'T WANT TO STOP READING!!!

[@illumiNateX7]

I’m working really hard on changing up a lot of my habits, reading is definitely something I’m trying to do much more often than I currently am. This was very helpful information, I appreciate it!

[@16maze]

Reading was tough for me a couple of years ago and once I found out I love reading books on improvement and how to guides my mind began to enjoy it more. I think it also depends on the genre too, I lm not too keen on fantasy or novels ha ha ha but I see the benefits when I’m reading “carpentry for dummies”.

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

Merphy: being able to sit still and hyper focus on one thing is something we struggle with. Me and my ADHD: ...no, I can do that, I can do that really well, I just can't choose when it happens and can't turn it off when it does.

[@valren2990]

Hey Merphy! I've been reading a Japanese novel called Kokoro for my university class and one thing I've found I really enjoy is that instead of doing chapters there are pauses in the story. I think for readers that find it difficult to sit down for long periods of time, having a story with pauses instead of chapters makes the book much easier to both pick up and put down. It's interesting because I've never experienced a novel similar to that style before!

[@nanashinde9513]

Is it in English the kokoro novel

[@keyamazed1038]

I never feel quite as fulfilled or happy as I do when I know I've read a lot. Been reading Harry Potter for the first time and burned through books 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the span of about two and half weeks, and I've been so jolly. Past couple of days after getting to Deathly Hallows I decided to slow down to enjoy the final hurrah, and only read a couple chapters so far, and I'm back to feeling a bit empty and sluggish.

[@patriotpearl264]

I know this video is old, but wanted to thank you for posting it. I literally did a search for why reading is good for you. When people ask me what I like to do and I tell them I read a lot, I almost always get some type of response about that being boring. All I can say is that when I'm in the middle of a scene where people are getting their heads chopped off... I'm currently reading Shogun... I'm not one bit board. Now I can also tell them that I'm improving my attention span, warding off Alzheimer's,etc... Thanks again and happy reading. 📚

[@Gemtiger279]

Reading words of wisdom combined with reflection exercises your ability to think. Increases insight, awareness, knowledge, and understanding.

[@morningdewacademic]

Reading has a massive impact upon the brain, yes, there are a variety of ways in which we learn and each person has their own style(s) of learning that best fit them, such as visual, auditory, etc. But reading is one of the best ways for the brain to grow and develop even long into the elder years and may even help slow or prevent Alzheimer's because myelination continues. I've been an avid reader ever since I was a child and in my middle-school years, I really got into reading non-fiction and textbooks which I still read this day, Learning is very important to me and that's why I still take college courses, to keep my brain active and growing. I also love and read a load of historical romance as well as historical fiction, especially WWII novels. But I do believe between the two types of books my brain grows in different ways, non-fiction type is very educational and knowledgeable and taps into that part of the brain where the fiction is an escape, relaxing and going into the fictional world portrayed in the tale which taps into that part of the brain. I feel any type of reading is very beneficial to all people and I try to encourage folks in my channel to read or return to reading because you can truly go anywhere, be anything, or know anything in a book!

[@zetaheld2399]

I've always really liked stories in general (not necessarily just books, but also TV), and I really feel like experiencing the lives of so many different characters really helps me understand people better, especially when I've always been kind of awkward and talking to people is difficult for me lol

[@mfbond13]

I find it so interesting too Merphy! It's so cool how reading can be enjoyable and also be so good for our brains :))

[@ervansflow519]

I followed to transcript and I enjoy reading it also your voice is warming to listen and now that I know this information. I'll continue my journey of self improve of things I really didn't get into until 2023

[@robbywendel7229]

Thank you for sharing your discoveries, passion, and insights. Anything that brings someone happiness is worth the time spent doing it, as long as it doesn't impact others negatively. Reading is wonderful, meditative, and teaches patience. I'm glad you find joy through reading. Take care and live well 🙂

[@Alexanderthenotsobad]

I used to be such an avid reader. Everything from Dostoevsky to Hemmingway to Pablo Neruda, but I started losing my eyesight, and that all changed. But you, you talking head you, are really inspiring. Look how popular you are doing your talking head bit. I'm "literally" going to go read now. Awesome.

[@boredindahouse4818]

Hey have you been able to read recently e-readers could be of good use to you as you can adjust font size

[@ConservativeJoanna]

My brother thinks "reading make you smarter" is a myth yet he thinks that eating a salad a day will make you healthy even if you eat junk for every other meal and snack.

[@Dregaz]

He’s 100% correct on both counts.

[@SonofSethoitae]

​@@DregazGo troll somewhere else

[@Ezekiel-dude]

reading DOES make u smarter IF u read valuable books. for instance on history or paychology if u reas fiction, u might also get sth out of it but it's definitely not as enlightening as real stuff I personally never read novels or fiction bc I KNOW that it's all made uo

[@epicadventureturtle1363]

Little fun fact: All the benefits also apply to audio books, even stuff like improved reading accuracy and reading comprehension goes up from listening to audio books.

[@iamdivan7368]

Yeah, and attention span goes bye bye

[@fizzledimglow3523]

@@iamdivan7368 not necessarily. It's the same concept as listening to music. You can train your attention span if you listen mindfully and with intent.

[@barbarasusej]

I love audiobooks, they have helped me a lot learning English!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I've found that because I listen to audiobooks a lot more, my attention span for reading a physical book has greatly lessened. I've been forcing myself to read some books without using any audio.

[@--Avi--]

@@iamdivan7368 I have ADHD and frequently zone out when reading books. I still do it a lot because I like my own internal narration, but I'm able to focus much more via audio books. I'm also able to multitask. So uh, you're wrong I guess