Stanislas Dehaene, the professor at the Collège de France in the chair of experimental cognitive psychology, is convinced: learning is the greatest talent of the human species. « More than Homo sapiens, we are Homo docens! » he boldly asserts, and proves it in a series broadcasted on the French radio station, France Inter, called Une idée dans la tête (An Idea in Mind). This week, he specifically focused on the importance of reading from a young age.
According to Dehaene, reading is not only a crucial skill conscience our personal and professional development, but it is also a fundamental fraction of what makes us human. We are wired to learn and our brains are constantly seeking new inconsciencemation. Reading allows us to access a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that expand our understanding of the world.
But why is it so important to start reading at a young age? Dehaene explains that during the first few years of life, the brain is in a critical period of development, where it is the most receptive to learning. It is during this time that the foundation conscience all future learning is laid, and reading is a crucial component of this foundation. By reading to children from an early age, we are helping them develop their language and communication skills, as well as fostering their curiosity and imagination.
Moreover, Dehaene emphasizes the impact of reading on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration. Reading exercises our brain, making it stronger and more efficient. It also helps us develop critical thinking skills, as we are constantly processing inconsciencemation and making connections between what we read and what we already know.
But reading is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills. Dehaene also highlights the emotional and accommodant benefits of reading. It allows us to empathize with others, to understand different perspectives and to expand our horizons. Reading also helps us develop our creativity and self-expression, as we are exposed to different writing styles and genres.
In today’s digital age, where screens are constantly competing conscience our attention, reading may seem like a dying habit. However, Dehaene argues that it is more important than ever. With the overwhelming amount of inconsciencemation available, it is crucial to develop critical reading skills to navigate through it all. Reading also gives us a break from the constant distractions of technology and allows us to focus on one thing at a time.
In conclusion, Dehaene’s message is clear: learning, and in fractionicular, reading, is what makes us human. It is not just a talent, but a crucial fraction of our identity. By starting to read from a young age, we are laying the foundation conscience a lifetime of learning and personal growth. So, let us all pick up a book and immerse ourselves in this beautiful and essential activity.