According to Illich, society fosters a consumerist mindset and diminishes the self in the process. The beauty of individualism is lost, like a field of spring flowers wilted to a dull grey. It becomes harder to find satisfaction and happiness in life,
That's why we should read books that preserve our sense of self. Not just buy books, but to read them and understand the world. Instead of blindly following what the media tells us, we should find our own happiness. When we're feeling lonely, we shouldn't head to a shop but visit a friend. When we crave stability, instead of dreaming of a perfect home, we should find perfection in a simple life within our means.
Be aware of our own anxieties, know how to prioritize ourselves, understand and manage our inner desires, and books will help us find our way forward,
The media is full of sensationalized stories and temptations. To fight against its influence, we need to build a 'story vending machine' for ourselves. Each time we need something to lift our spirits, we can pick a story and let it play in our hearts.
-Hwang Bo-Reum, Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books
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