Benefits of Encyclopedic Reading
Dialogues
“He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is granted wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.” (Al-Baqarah 269)
There is specialized reading in a specific intellectual or scientific field, and there is encyclopedic reading that encompasses most of human knowledge. The difference between a reader who focuses solely on reading in one field and an encyclopedic reader is vast. I believe that the latter will always be more perceptive, sharper in intelligence, broader in insight, and perhaps more successful in life. Among the benefits of encyclopedic reading, we mention the following:
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- Intellectual Flexibility: The encyclopedic reader is more flexible in thought than the reader who chooses to read only in a specific intellectual or scientific field. Those who possess the ability to think flexibly will undoubtedly be the most successful in managing their daily affairs, the most resistant to ideological indoctrination, the strongest in intellectual independence, and the most fortunate in benefiting from their readings to develop their personality and improve their livelihood.
- The Encyclopedic Reader and Out-of-the-Box Thinking: The mind of the encyclopedic reader draws from various human sciences and will not be constrained by conventional ways of thinking. In particular, no fabricated or artificial intellectual or ideological box will limit his creative thinking. His solutions to the problems he faces in life may be more effective and sustainable than conventional human solutions, as there is no rigid intellectual mold limiting his thinking, nor a restrictive intellectual matrix preventing his mind from breaking free and liberating itself from what is intellectually familiar.
- The Joy of Encyclopedic Reading: There may come a day when a reader in a single field of knowledge becomes bored with what he reads, and perhaps completely stops continuing with specialized reading, as there is nothing new, enjoyable, or stimulating to the curiosity of an encyclopedic reader, who reads as if on a constantly enjoyable and thrilling intellectual adventure whose chapters never end.
- Encyclopedic Reading and Self-Knowledge: I believe that one who reads in various types of human knowledge may come to know himself, outwardly and inwardly, more than the specialized reader. This is because his intellectual passion will reveal to him different aspects of the human personality. One who knows himself with passion, depth, and precision will succeed in drawing up life and personal scenarios that align with his aspirations and true hopes.
A Kuwaiti writer
