Read to understand yourself.

Maintaining a reading habit helps individuals understand themselves better. **Photo: Quynh Trang**

When we were in school, perhaps because entertainment options weren't as diverse back then, reading was one of the essential needs for many people.

After school, we often went to the library together to read and borrow books. These books were considered precious companions, not only providing useful information and knowledge, entertainment, and skills enhancement, but also helping us cultivate perseverance.

It takes real perseverance to finish a book, especially a classic. Over time, I've come to see reading as a way to better understand myself.

Back then, I had a habit of jotting down anything I considered necessary and helpful. When reading books or newspapers, if I came across anything interesting, I would diligently copy it into my notebook. This included everything from historical anecdotes, literary anecdotes, stories of writers, various genres of poetry and songs, to recipes and life mottos…

There are things that, even now, when I reread them, I still cherish because I find them so meaningful to me. I treasured and carefully preserved the books I used. Textbooks borrowed from the library were always wrapped in paper around the covers and bound securely. And as for the books my father bought for me during his business trips, needless to say, I treasured them immensely.

By reading books, I not only broaden my knowledge but also discover my strengths and weaknesses, uncover my hidden potential, and dare to try things I previously thought I could do.

A very encouraging piece of news is that reading habits have improved significantly, especially among young people. On average, a Vietnamese person reads 6.1 books per year (compared to 1.4 books per person previously).

From my personal observation, many students have brought books to read during breaks, instead of browsing on their phones or chatting and fooling around. Many young people have gradually realized the true value of reading and are turning to books to cultivate and develop themselves. Many are very enthusiastic about participating in reading sessions at the school library.

Many students shared that: Nowadays, books are very diverse in genre; besides science books, there are also general knowledge books, skill-building books, reference books, entertainment books, etc. Useful and rich content, along with attractive presentation and printing, are the reasons why young people are increasingly reading books.

Some groups of students have even boldly participated in competitions such as online book presentations and reading culture ambassadorships, with quite convincing results. These are encouraging signs, signaling a hopeful return to reading culture.

Despite my busy work schedule, I maintain a reading habit. When I have time, I read a lot; when I'm busy, I only read a few pages, as a way to keep a good habit alive. Every time I'm faced with a book, it's like I'm having a deep and intimate conversation with a close friend.

Each book has given me experiences, reflections, and opportunities to accumulate knowledge and skills. Some books have even provided lessons that help me make the right decisions in life.

For me, books have always been precious companions, quietly nurturing truly enduring values. And as they have been over the years since I first became attached to them, books have always helped me learn to listen, first and foremost to understand myself.