Choice_Mistake759 t1_jeduju8 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:38 AM

>since the person is prone to saying that they learned from life experience while all I have is a college education

I stopped right here. That person is not necessarily looking to find out, or to change their minds or to get a new perspective on why people do hobbies they do not, that person is looking to put you down, perhaps due to their own insecurity about their own education when compared to yours. Keep that in mind. You do not owe them any justification or rationalization.

> but for the love of God, why would anyone feel good about not reading books?

anti-intellectualism and also trying to turn lack of ability (maybe to focus) into a voluntary choice which validates it. Happens a lot also with exercise or food choices. People taking care of their bodies in ways which makes them happy can get a lot of criticism from others who choose not to do, that or believe exercise and healthy diet is a good thing.

> A book is basically a whole gym full of equipment ready to be used.

Well, not all books are the same and even great books, people can get there and not use that equipment.

SeriousQuestions111 OP t1_jedwvu3 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 9:13 AM

> into a voluntary choice which validates it

Yeah, I get it, people feel like you wanting to improve yourself means you're putting them down (since it's in human nature to be competitive). Or that you are too egotistical and should stay in your lane. So I guess not reading books might come from having a closed mind which could be solved by reading. It's a closed cycle. I wonder what would force such a person to get out of it and try to learn instead of using ignorance as a shield.

Choice_Mistake759 t1_jeeajkv wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:58 AM

> So I guess not reading books might come from having a closed mind which could be solved by reading.

Reading does not necessarily solve a closed mind or actually "improve" a person. I am not a believer, or fan, of the mindset that reading is "good" for you, or always improving somewhat or better than all other hobbies at something.

And mandatory perspective I read lots and always have, own way too many books, but trust me a lot of books I read did not "improve me" necessarily and that is not why I read or I look for new things to think, or relaxation it can be on many things. Somebody iliterate can be observant and tolerant and intelligent.