"I was reading a book and I wanted to finish it."
An answer from an Auschwitz survivor who was asked, "What pulled you through?"
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"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends;
they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,
and the most patient of teachers." - Charles William Eliot
In the early 20th century, a religious group purchased a property in California, christening it Beth Sarim—House of Princes. They prophesied that it would serve as a residence for the resurrected biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were expected to return imminently to govern the earth. The leaders assured their followers that these ancient figures would soon walk among us, ushering in a new era. However, as time passed without a divine arrival, the leader of the group quietly moved into the mansion himself. Strangely enough, this bizarre twist did not stir much dissent within the group. The followers, conditioned not to question, simply moved on.
This anecdote may seem peculiar, yet it is not uncommon among high-control groups, where questioning the leadership or the collective doctrine is often off-limits. The acceptance of such an oddity without scepticism or debate underscores a broader human tendency: the resistance to challenge entrenched systems of thought. This is where Thomas Kuhn’s concept of Paradigm Shifts becomes relevant. Initially framed within the context of scientific revolutions, the idea holds that progress—be it in science, culture, or personal beliefs—often stalls until outdated paradigms are disrupted by new, compelling ideas that force us to view the world differently.
My reflections on Beth Sarim and paradigm shifts resonate with personal observations about the broader community. Throughout my life, I’ve noticed that those who do not read or seek out new information often struggle with narrow-mindedness. Like horses with blinkers, they see only what is directly ahead, oblivious to the vast diversity of thought and experience surrounding them. This is not just an issue of limited intellectual curiosity; it is a fundamental limitation on empathy and understanding.
Some of the greatest challenges with people in my life are those who have never read a book. They resort to lazy thinking, biases, and flawed perspectives. Reading, in contrast, offers a gateway to expansive thinking. When we read, we engage in an act of perspective-taking that is profoundly empathetic. We immerse ourselves in the lives of characters vastly different from ourselves, confronting situations we might never face. Through literature, we experience the struggles and joys of others, from the safety of our own homes, which can translate into a deeper understanding and connection with the human condition in our everyday interactions.
Consider the emotional journey one undertakes with a well-crafted novel. As we connect with characters, we experience vicariously their fears, loves, successes, and failures. These experiences enrich our capacity for empathy, making us more attuned to the emotions and motivations of others in the real world. Moreover, reading about diverse cultures and histories broadens our perspective, helping us appreciate paths that have diverged wildly from our own. This exposure is crucial in our increasingly globalized world, where understanding and respecting differences is key to social harmony.
Thus, the value of reading extends far beyond entertainment or information acquisition; it is a vital tool for fostering empathy and breaking down the mental barriers that confine us. The story of Beth Sarim is a cautionary tale of what happens when communities insulate themselves from new ideas and perspectives. It reminds us of the importance of intellectual openness and the transformative power of reading—as a means to envision and embrace a world richer than our immediate surroundings. In essence, books do not just fill shelves; they expand the boundaries of our minds and hearts. Have you, too, felt a deeper connection to someone, real or fictional, after walking a mile in their literary shoes.