Reading Is a Form of Rebellion Against the Limitations of Our Own Existence
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
17 April 2025
"Reading is a form of rebellion against the limitations of our own existence."
The Peruvian Nobel laureate in Literature passed away on April 13.
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Mario Vargas Llosa's aforementioned quote has always inspired me and got me thinking. By the way, the Latin American Nobel laureate and a literary giant breathed his last on April 13. Mario Vargas Llosa beautifully captures the transformative power of reading in his quote, "Reading is a form of rebellion against the limitations of our own existence." In this profound statement, he suggests that through reading, we are able to transcend the confines of our everyday lives and embark on an extraordinary journey of imagination, knowledge, and self-discovery.
Books allow us to explore new worlds, encounter diverse perspectives, and challenge the preconceived notions we hold about ourselves and the world around us. It is in these pages that we find the courage to question, to dream, and to rebel against the limitations that society and our own existence impose upon us. Reading becomes an act of rebellion, a source of liberation that empowers us to break free from the rigid boundaries of our lives and dare to explore the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
In other words, we read to know, we're not alone because if you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. Though any book is good, books with a literary value are read and remembered longer and have a greater impact on us.
Remember, literature is the antidote to the banality of everyday life. In a world often overshadowed by routine and monotony, literature imbues us with a sense of extraordinary vividness and depth. Through the pages of a book, we have the privilege of escaping the ordinary and exploring the vast landscapes of imagination. It expands our horizons, challenges our thinking, and offers respite from the mundane. As we immerse ourselves in the rich narratives and complex characters, literature reminds us of the marvels that lie beyond the repetitive patterns of our daily existence. It gives us the necessary tools to question, reflect, and ultimately seek meaning in our lives.
Literature, in all its forms, becomes the elixir that rejuvenates our souls, elevates our perspective, and ultimately breaks the chains of banality. From the written word to the spoken verse, words possess the incredible capacity to shape the world around us. They can create entire worlds, imaginatively transporting us to new realms, eliciting emotions, and stimulating our minds.
Moreover, words have the ability to heal. They can soothe troubled hearts, provide solace in times of sorrow, and bring comfort to those in pain. Similarly, words possess the transformative energy to bring about change. Through speeches, literature, and poetry, ideas can be shared, perceptions challenged, and societies revolutionized. Lastly, reading never goes in vain.
So, one must read regardless of the genre and type of book/s. Desultory reading is also advisable. From pornography to poetry and Plato, read anything you can lay your hands on. But at least, read. Memory retains the magic of written words. Alas, the million-dollar question is: Do we read any longer?
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URl: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/reading-rebellion-limitations-existence/d/135194
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