Culture is an essential part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious national transformation as Vision 2030 states that culture is 'indispensable to our quality of life.'
Our government is keen to raise cultural awareness because it is aware that the goodness and excellence of people stem from the quality of thought of its members. Therefore, it worked to encourage the cultural sector to take pride in the original heritage, by establishing the Ministry of Culture, led by the young Prince Badr bin Abdullah Al Saud. Many initiatives, exhibitions, and competitions fall under this Ministry. It has encouraged and supported amateurs and professionals, created opportunities for everyone, and shown a strong and wonderful determination that will build us a glorious and wise homeland.
This country is run by strong and worthy leadership. His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the capable and balanced figure leading this journey and vision, has overcome all obstacles to open up wide new horizons, establish constructive rules, and inspire determination that embraces the sky and people of great abilities and talents.
“These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves," Gilbert Highet.
Indeed, we benefit from the culture, output, and thought of many authors. When you read the works of ten great writers, you earn yourself a great experience. A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people. You fully realize that reading a book improves your mentality, intellect, and culture.
How do I read? Start by asking yourself this question. Many readers do not reach the desired level of mental awareness, either because they did not choose a book of preference, or because they are unfamiliar with a proper way to read that suits them and the book. You should know that there are different types of reading such as scanning, skimming, extensive, intensive, and much more.
Learn more about your book's genre and the best way for you to read it. Taking the time to concentrate on a good book and reading three times is more beneficial than reading three books while being distracted and preoccupied. Remember well that those who know how to read are those who can lead the society around them.
Do not forget that a good reader must set clear goals and strive to understand what he's reading. He must take notes on the benefits, discuss questions, and develop logical answers. A good reader reads to correct his behavior, develop a good habit, or add to his society solid and balanced values.
Why should I read? Repeat the question to yourself and thoroughly contemplate it, and repeat: think, create, then develop your mind and broaden your perceptions. You will find yourself answering your question with a better one: Why don't I read?!
Yes, why don't you read? You are familiar with the great gifts of reading as you feel your thought and knowledge grow with every letter you read and you rise higher with every book you finish.
Reading is the path to achievement and glory. Read, for reading is a gain, and the mind grows and expands as your knowledge grows. Read to enjoy your life, elevate your tastes, and meet with your peers. Read in compliance with the words of the Almighty: “1. Read: In the Name of your Lord, who created. 2. Created man from a clinging clot. 3. Read: And your Lord is the Most Generous. 4. He Who taught by the pen. 5. Taught man what he never knew.” (Surah Al-'Alaq)
You might ask yourself, do I read a book or listen to an audiobook? Which do you prefer? The important thing is to enjoy it. Go through paperback books for their great and captivating scent attracts you for a distance and words cannot describe it. Carrying a book is like holding your first child; it's a feeling that captures your soul and touches you deep inside. Listen to a person reading out loud, for some words are more firmly established in the mind if they are heard. The important thing is that you reach the desired goal, whether the book is paper or audio. The point is that you enjoy and benefit.
I am tired of reading, how can I enjoy it again? Read what you love and don't force yourself to read something that isn't bringing you joy. You do not have to like the bestseller book that attracts others. If you feel bored and uncomfortable, consider moving to another book, try competitive reading with your friends, find a friend who loves to read, and if you do not find one, build new relationships with different readers.
Read in a group! Choose a book, read a specific part together, and then pause, discuss the book content, and share opinions. You can even write down your observations and views. A lot of knowledge is lost if it's not written down, and many ideas and successes start with an idea that was written down, reviewed, and developed. Do not forget to try, share, discuss, and write down. Motivate yourself and design a nice reading space. Do not underestimate the idea, try it and you will see that it boosts your enthusiasm for reading and strengthens your motivation.
Do not say, I am bored because I read without any benefit, I read and forget all the information, or I'm re-reading the book but only noticed this after reading a large part of it!
Do not panic! The purpose is not to memorize the information or recite the content of the book. We don't all have a strong memory as memorization is a divine blessing bestowed upon a few of us. As you read, your imagination and experience will keep you going. You will notice this when you deem a previous experience as shallow and a reply as childish and cold. Reading will help you carry out mature conversations when you used to stutter while talking to others. You will be able to support your ideas with logical, clear, mature, and confident arguments. Reading shapes you and turns you into a different person with solid values and foundations.
Finally, keep in mind that change takes time and a few failed experiences to succeed. You will need a lot of practice until reading becomes a part of your life. Take the initiative, and remember Frederick's ' 'Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.' Rise high, persevere, and repeat: I read, therefore I am.
Books have contributed to considerable changes and saved many. They were behind the glory and survival of nations and civilizations. I am convinced that books will elevate you too and bring you unparalleled glory. The sky is the limit. Remember Al-Mutanabbi's words:
Strong resolves come in proportion to men of determination,
and noble deeds come in proportion to magnanimous men.
Little things are deemed great by little minds,
while grave calamities pale into insignificance in the eyes of the great.
