Afraid of Change

 

Have you ever been told not to read a certain book because it might influence your thinking? Or have you been discouraged from reading a particular author because of their controversial ideas? If so, then you may have encountered a common fear that many people have: the fear of thinking.

Photo by Laura Kapfer on Unsplash

In reality, books should be celebrated for their ability to challenge our beliefs and broaden our perspectives. As the famous quote goes, "If you're afraid that books might change someone's thinking, you're not afraid of books. You're afraid of thinking."

The truth is that reading books that challenge our existing beliefs is crucial for personal growth and intellectual development. Exposing ourselves to different ideas and perspectives makes us more open-minded and capable of critical thinking. We learn to question our assumptions and opinions and become more empathetic towards others who may hold different views.

Of course, it can be uncomfortable to read books that challenge our beliefs. It's normal to feel defensive or resistant to ideas that contradict what we hold to be true. But it's important to push past these initial discomforts and engage with new ideas anyway. Doing so allows us to expand our understanding of the world and become better thinkers and human beings.

So, don't be afraid the next time you encounter a book that challenges you. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."