Books

If I am ever asked to list some of the most precious things in this world to me, books would definitely be somewhere on the top . I have always enjoyed reading, and though what I read now is vastly different from what I read back in school, my love for books has been the same, in fact increased even more. However, it upsets me to see that in today's world books are losing their relevance. I was surprised to hear on news last night about a city in Texas, which is soon going to be without any bookstores! It made me wonder if we were heading to a future where we may not find books anymore? That's scary! I am however, not against new innovations like kindle or nook, but personally I wouldn't buy them because I think holding a book in my hand feels much better than holding a kindle...and I would definitely want to build a small library in my home sometime in the future.
People always like reading books on things that interest them...and no there is nothing wrong in doing that. But I think an even better or challenging thing to do is to read a book on something that you may not pick up at a bookstore as your first choice. Though you may not like it, you will end up learning something new and getting an entirely new perspective. I have done this before, and I have always learnt something new...it definitely opens up your mind about different and new things.
I recently read a book that I have been thinking about...its called ' The God Delusion' by the British biologist Richard Dawkins. The most amazing thing about this book is that even though you may not agree with what he has to say, it sure compels you to think about it. Religion is a very sensitive issue for people and this is what exactly the book questions so openly. It asks poignant and extremely debatable questions about if we really need God to answer how the world began? He makes an argument, and a pretty convincing one at that, on why Science needs to be looked at as a more reliable source to answer the questions on origin of life. He questions the system of organized religion and why it may not be the best inventions that mankind has to offer. To make it clear...he in no way intends to offend anyone for their personal religious views, but merely puts forward a question and tries to answer it with the support of scientific eveidence.
I finished reading this book a while ago and it has made me question a lot of things pertaining to religion and the need for it in my life. Some of the things in the book have deeply influenced me...and I definitely have a lot more to say about it. But that is for my next blog...and until then if you have read this book and have opinions about it, feel free to write them down here. You may also write down your thoughts on religion in general since it's always interesting to know different viewpoints.
And remember...keep reading!