If you’re an avid reader, then it’s easy to get stuck in one way of reading. Maybe you like a particular genre and stick to it faithfully. But this leads to a narrow view of things, and that’s never good. If you really want to open your eyes, you should find writing that makes you think and challenges your assumptions. Here are some forms of writing that will help to make that happen.
Writing By People You Disagree With
Many people only read writing by people that they know they already agree with. This is understandable because oppositional opinions and views can annoy people. Most of us have our own entrenched ideas, and we don’t particularly want them to be challenged. But by reading more from people you don’t agree with, you can get an alternative perspective. That doesn’t mean you have to change your views, but it can still be very positive for you. It never hurts to receive a broad range of views and opinions.
Experimental Literature
There is so much literature out there, but most of us only read a very tiny amount of it. Obviously, no one can read it all. But you can sample lots of different genres and style. If you were to try to read forms of modernist or experimental literature, you would have your eyes opened to something completely new. Most people have no interest in these alternative forms. But they can be very interesting indeed if you’re willing to give them a proper chance.
Nonfiction Accounts of Unfolding Events
Nonfiction is the best way to learn about the world in most cases. And if you want to learn more about the world around you, you should expand your horizons a little. Most people don’t pay too much attention to what’s happening in other countries or on the other side of the world. But by reading nonfiction accounts of social or political change, you could learn a lot more about the world. The best nonfiction reporting is not only informative by very entertaining to read.
Outsider Views
There are all kinds of ideas out there. Some of them might seem strange or unbelievable to you. But even if you’re not going to be convinced by another way of thinking. You could benefit from the experience of reading outsider views on life and the world. There are people like David Icke, who have theories on the world that are outside the mainstream. And there are also political thinkers from history, such as Ayn Rand, whose outsider views came in the form of fiction novels.
Modern Philosophy
Philosophy might strike you as something impenetrable and difficult. And it often can be. But it’s not all that way. Many philosophical texts are very easy to understand for beginners. Most of them take the philosopher’s ideas which are then used to explore the nature of the world and existence. We’re all troubled by the big philosophical questions at some time or other. Everyone has wondered why we’re here and how we should live our lives. So, why not give modern philosophy a try?
