Do you read books to get inspired or purely for pleasure?

Gandalf Level 1

November 4, 2018, 7:20 am

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Do you read books to get inspired or purely for pleasure?

A piece of advice most authors always give is to read other authors, now is that to get ideas or see how others are doing, or is it to check out the competition?

I like to read for pleasure, but I do gain some inspiration from some of my favorite authors in the sense of their wit and also how they build up their characters. It also helps me with formatting as some say chapters should be X long or you must have Y numbers of protagonists. When you read a successful novel that goes against these alleged rules it helps you to write more freely.

Having studied English Literature at University, it can actually destroy the pleasure of reading as you dissect the book into themes and the characters you break them down as you read the book. I'm much happier reading a book, and then going back to look at the plot, where it picked up and where the characters were introduced. These are much more helpful to me than a guidebook on what a novel should contain.

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theresajane

theresajane

Though I have also done dissecting parts of novels many times because our teachers tasked us to do so, Bi still didn't lose my love for reading.
I do read books for both reasons. Sometimes, when I feel like my life is going nowhere, especially when I was in a state of idleness, I always read one book that is so inspiring, full of life lessons and messages for a person who is struggling. I also read books for pleasure, during my leisure time, I read books. Most of my books are actually series. I love books that comes in series as if I'm watching a movie, but better than that. I specifically love Rick Riordan's works, I love the adventure that I'm in while reading his books.

6 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I read books to be inspired. The Bible is an inspirational book. It was inspired or written by the power of the Holy Spirit.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's wonderful. I hope you're able to gain much needed wisdom with daily reflections. The Bible is rich. It's filled with truths that free us from the sins and temptations of this world.

6 years ago

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menchuuy58

menchuuy58

The Bible is full of wisdom, revelations and knowledge. Everything we want to know can be found and answered by the Bible. Most especially when we seek the meaning and purpose of our dear lives.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's pretty epic. I can see how life changing bible reading can be. I hope to read more of the gospel daily. It helps guide towards the right path in life.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I agree on that Bible and Gospel are best books ever. Keep on reading it and you will ever ever leave Him.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

I still have to read the whole Bible. I started it a few years ago but found it to be a little bit dense. Since I'm not a religious person, it was difficult to carry on reading, especially the Old Testament. However, as a historical exercise of storytelling, it makes an interesting read.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Dont force yourself to read it. Read whenever you like and for that you will never know you almost done reading it.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Will do! Thank you for your advice. I think that if I start splitting the reading time for The Bible, I'll be able to read it in just under a few months.

6 years ago

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menchuuy58

menchuuy58

The Bible is the written word of God. It is also my favorite book. I love to read it also.

6 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit. He used men of God to write the Bible that we read today. There 40 different human writers and they do not contradict each other.

6 years ago

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Jelineex

Jelineex

Bible is always the best book ever written by men. It consist the words of God. It's good to read it to have guidance and understanding in our life. I find my peace and comfort when reading the word of God.

6 years ago

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ElectorAlexande

ElectorAlexande

Yea the Bible is one of the greatest and most inspiring book of human era and I love to read it because I learn a lot by just reading a single page.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I like reading it too. It has such timeless knowledge and wisdom. Many of its teachings still apply despite it being centuries old. That shows just how beyond earthly existence we may be.

6 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

Yes, same here, tho I'm not into reading, I more likely to watch it with a subtitle than to read it purely.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Subtitle actually helps a lot of the audience to understand the movie very well. I saw many movies before which dont have subtitle compared today.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Oh, I can see what you mean. I've also experienced watching movies without subtitles. It was very confusing. And most of the tension and dialogue was lost due to lack of understanding.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Yes it is true. We are thankful now because most of the movies now has a subtitles. It is very helpful.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Sometimes it's funny. I remember watching a Japanese movie. I could not understand what they were saying. I ended up laughing for most of the movie. I was laughing at the fact that there were no subtitles.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I was wondering what kind of movie you were watching for. I believe its a Japanese comedy movie. It was good for you because you connected on that movie very much.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I think it was a drama. The movie's title is Memoirs of a Geisha. Because I couldn't understand the dialog, I found their facial expressions funny.

I just imagined what they were saying and turned it into a Comedy.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Oh I watched that film. It was very good movie. I loved their costumes there. I wish they will revive that movie.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

It's nice that you enjoyed the movie. I think I remember a certain scene. It involved using an umbrella. I think someone opened it while it was inserted in someone's mouth. I hope my memory's right. 'Cause that was kind of shocking.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I was imagining what you saying and I started to laugh while typing this comment. I did not remember that scene but as geisha they always had an umbrella to their hands.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I don't know. Maybe it was from a different movie. I just find that scene shocking. I hope it wasn't part of the movie.

I'm glad you found it funny. Because if you imagined it correctly, you'd be scared.

6 years ago

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ElectorAlexande

ElectorAlexande

I think reading the subtitles and reading a book are almost alike and am trying to figure out the difference which I can't. Let's just say they are both the same but it depends on the one you prefer.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

There is no difference between them. They are completely the same.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Sometimes I do it as well. It's not easy to read a book you're not sure of. That's why others prefer watching movie adaptations before deciding whether they'll read the book. It saves time and effort on something you might not enjoy reading.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Yeah Bible is a holy book and reading it is very inspiring. I wish I could find time reading it again soon.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

You can read it little by little every day. You'll be surprised how easy it is. We should think of starting small when it comes to doing stuff. That way, we won't feel like it's time consuming. We'll enjoy it instead.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Will definitely try that soon. Reading small is big move to finish it. I cant wait to start it immediately.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Yes, it's important in our lives. We often forget that success comes from continuous small efforts. It's not one big gesture. We start from nothing until we build something worthwhile.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Yeah I agree with you in that. We dont need to read the bible in one sitting. Bible is essential and every people should make time reading it.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Yes, you're right. One advantage to reading gradually is that you're more likely to remember what you read. Because you're focusing on it a few pages at a time.

This gives your brain space to process the information in order to store it as long term memory.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

That is right. There is no sense of reading bible fast. You need to remember the words and digest it to your mind so that at the end of the day you will remember some bible phrases.

6 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

I was able to read the full bible when I was still in primary school. I grew up in a Catholic school so I got interested to the full story in it other than what is discussed in the Classroom. So I could say that reading it was both for pleasure and inspiration.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's really nice. The Bible is one of the best ways to integrate Christ into our life. It brings you so much peace and compassion for others. It teaches you the joy of a life of simplicity.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I used to read a gospel magazine when I was in grade school. It was fun to read because there has a images there about Jesus and His apostles.

6 years ago

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jayjaydimson

jayjaydimson

Yes, same here, and I do love that contents in The Bible, and it makes me so emotional when I am reading one.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

Bible is powerful book that no one can compare. Everyone must find time to read it.

6 years ago

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burgosmichael24

burgosmichael24

I wrote inspirational books and booklets. So it's a necessity for me to feed myself with inspirations especially from the Bible. It contains a lot of inspiring words from the Lord that can truly change a person's life.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I read books mostly for my pleasure and it's only a plus if it inspires me. There's a lot of inspirational books being published but only a few of them are really good.

6 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

I love you too reading. when I was still in high school stay up till two or three in the morning reading fiction books. I read purely for pleasure. I enoy a good romance novel. Now that I'm trying to be an entrepreneur,I read many books on business and on self development. I guess I can say also good for inspiration. Majority of the time I read for pleasure.I love reading and I prefer it, to talking to people.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I think we've all been there. Romance books just get you all ecstatic about life. It's like you're on cloud 9. Everything around you is seen with rose colored lenses. I've mostly enjoyed it whenever I'm feeling sad and lonely. It's nice to imagine having such fascinating characters by your side.

6 years ago

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mdayrit

mdayrit

I love reading books. When I was younger I read for pleasure. Mostly novels to keep me busy and entertained when there's nothing to do. But as I get older, most of my books are leaning towards inspirational. One that could give me advices and tips being an adult.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's true. Good thing that lots inspirational books are being written right now. I like books about self healing and compassion. They're therapeutic and calming. Much better than reading books from the Horror genre. I used to stay up at night because of it.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Yes I had also been doing that when I was still young, I love to read novels for pleasure since it gives me some entertainment for an instant. But when I reach to maturity, I was not anymore so indulge into reading some novels just for pleasure but more on inspirational books that can give me some ideas about what life is all about and how to be successful. I am starting to be curious about these particular topics which makes me to find it in every books.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Can you recommend a few? I have been meaning to get into inspirational books, but I have no idea where to start as I usually read historical books. I do wish to read a few ones that are insightful, without leaning too much into self-help books. I would appreciate it so much if you gave me a few pointers!

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Honestly I already forgot those books that I have read before about what life is all about and the only thing that I remember was the book of Chinky Tan which is a successful blogger who give tips on how to be successful in business and how to save more for your hard earned money. You can also check some of his videos on YouTube if you have time since you will really learned a lot from him. I highly recommend this to everyone out there who want to experience some learnings.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Thank you! I'll Google him and try to watch some YouTube videos. I'm always open to new information and learning interesting subjects that can have an impact on my life. Financial and business advice is one of the most precious.

6 years ago

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stbrians

stbrians

My purpose of reading books is for enjoyment. I love fiction books more. If the storyline is interesting I usually do not put the book down till I finish reading. Reading is fun.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Me too. I like books with a series. It's exciting to follow the story line as it goes from the first book to the last part. Trilogies are a thing for a lot of young readers. Particularly, young adult fiction.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Sometimes I do love to read some books just for fun since I want to enjoy for a while and leave my work instantly for a couple of hours just to entertained myself for a while. I Iove reading books that can give me some moral values because it inspires me a lot give me the feeling of calmness and at ease.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I feel the same way. But it's funny how you just stop working and decide to read a book. That would be a nice way to spend some time relaxing. Especially, after a hard day's work.

A lot of Fiction that I've read had inspirational messages. After all, the purpose of books is to teach us something valuable.

6 years ago

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sonnyisabeast

sonnyisabeast

Reading books for pleasure is fun and entertaining. Reading for inspiration, a tad mercurial. For the longest time I read Stephen King novels, then I read a Joh Grisham novel and was blown away with his pace. I love reading both of their works, and found some inspiration, too, somewhere along the way.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I like how you put it. I remember reading Goosebumps and laughing more than being scared. But The Night of The Living Dummy was scary. I don't know why. It's just one of the few books written by R.L. Stine that creeps you out. Especially, on the first read.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I also read books for pleasure and I'm always on the lookout for good books to read. But there are also books which gives the reader both pleasure and inspiration. Somegood good examples are The Holy Bible, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, I-Ching or The Book of Changes, Noli Me Tanghere and El Filibusterismo are books which gives the reader both pleasure and inspiration.

6 years ago

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coolavender

coolavender

I was an introvert in my youth and books were my refuge. I wasn't drawn to a specific genre. I've read popular literary works, bestsellers, Sherlock Holmes series, and historical romances but I was never inspired to be a literary writer or creator. I'm glad that I never had to dissect those books or novels at school. That would have ruined my enjoyment of reading.

These days, I read books mostly for information and inspiration and less for pleasure. I've outgrown reading books as a leisure activity and I currently prefer reading blogs and online articles.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I probably do both. Though, I'd say that I read more for passing the time by. Not all books are inspirational. You definitely can't say that whenever you're reading Horror genre. I enjoy taking my time when the writing's really good.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Exactly! I completely agree with you on this about not all books having inspirational quality. Some are simply just written to inform the readers one thing or another on a particular subject matter. All books can offer reading pleasures but not all are inspiring.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's why I mentioned Horror. Because most of it is about the visceral experience. It's as if you're there with the characters. You certainly won't be inspired by such terrifying events. And yes, most books offer knowledge instead of entertainment.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

I honestly do them both because there are some time that I do feel bored and the only think that comes to my mind is that I need to do something so that I will feel entertained by reading some books. I also feel inspired sometimes whenever I am able to read those inspiring stories of other people that have gone through some hardships before and become successful later on after doing a lot of efforts which is really good to read.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

That is right. Books are one of the best thing that we have. We learn from it and at the same time it gives too many benefits in reading books.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

We cannot really deny the importance and benefits that the books give to us since it give a lot of things to us such as the knowledge, skills and motivation to strive for success and excellence in any related field of study that we will going to take.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I think all of us do. We're just used to reading fiction to entertain ourselves. But it's really when we find inspirational stuff that we feel joyful. There are beautiful quotes in novels that have moved me ever since I first read them. They motivate to live a better life for the sake of others.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I read books for pleasure and depending on how good the book was written, it could inspire me or it could just give me reading pleasure.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Most people read for the pleasure of reading and not to get inspired. But some book are craftly written in such a way that it would offer both reading pleasure and inspiration to anyone who reads it.

6 years ago

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theresajane

theresajane

Yes, you're right. Sometimes, the book that you have read which you intended to read just for pleasure can become something that will inspire you. If the book is well-written and it digs deep right through your emotions and perception about the world, then it will really affect and inspire you in many ways.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's so true. I felt this way when I was reading The Peculiar Series. The movie adaptation was so different from the books. It was emotional for me when Emma Bloom read her private letters.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

That's true. Some books are mostly for keeping us entertained. But there are parts that give us inspiration. I enjoyed reading The Harry Potter Series. It had wonderful world building and deep characters. I'm inspired by their selflessness and bravery.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Well, I would say that it's all dependent on the particular book which I'm reading at the moment in time. If it's a book that is meant to give me pleasure then it's definitely going to be what I would get from it and vice versa.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Agreed! Although sometimes, a book can surprise you, so a single phrase in a book you chose to read for pleasure might suddenly inspire you. The same goes for the other way around. That's one of the things I treasure most in books, they never cease to be surprising.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I would say it's both, I read sometimes to get inspired and sometimes is for entertainment or fun.

6 years ago

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amelia88

amelia88

My reading is usually done for pleasure - it's one of my main forms of relaxation! I do think though that often, unintentionally, I do end up getting some inspiration from what I read. After all, the written word is really an art form in itself, and it's hard not to get inspired at times!

6 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

I get you, reading makes my mind relax and it also became my stress reliever. But, sometimes I do it for inspiration too.

6 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

I think I read books for both aspects of getting inspired and for pleasure as well. But maybe pleasure comes first before inspiration because I usually read books or articles that are interesting to me which I know will be a pleasure to read. Technical articles are difficult to read by they sometimes become inspiring to me although I still prefer to read for pleasure because it is a good pastime to read and learn.

6 years ago

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allyn2017

allyn2017

Both, it actually depends on my mood. There are times that I read book for purely inspiration and there are times that I read books for entertainment.

6 years ago

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thejoyrevolutio

thejoyrevolutio

I read for both. I like reading. I read anything. I love romance novels to trillers to ya. I read them all. I read them when I don’t have simething to do. I read for information. Sometimes I get inspired after reading stories that I want to write a book myself. Reading makes me feel all type of emotion.

6 years ago

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cks003

cks003

One reads books to get new ideas, inspiration and sometimes to learn. Most of the time one learns how other authors approach a subject matter, the argument etc by reading others' books and maybe one can improve or build on the previous studies. We stand on the shoulders of giants every time when one writes and research on certain topics, but never replicate and copy the whole process.

6 years ago

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astraherondale

astraherondale

Both! I mostly read for pleasure, but while reading I can't help but appreciate and be inspired by the author's style. It's like hitting two birds in one stone. This is why reading is such a euphoric and fulfilling activity.

6 years ago

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anyone01

anyone01

Certainly one of the biggest reasons why we read books is to benefit knowledge. Books are a wealthy source of facts. Reading books or ebooks on numerous topics imparts information and increases the intensity about the challenge as well. on every occasion you read a book, you learn a brand new information that in any other case could not have known.

6 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

I think that a lot of times when I have picked a book to read in recent times it has been purely to seek inspiration. I am an avid reader and love motivational/ challenging books that help me to shape my life for the better. I consider myself an enterpreneur and my story cannot be complete without being motivated by others who have been successful before me.

6 years ago

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Jeane

Jeane

Most of the books I read are written for the young adult market and kids. There is something in children's stories that I can't find elsewhere. When I'm reading for pleasure (that is why I read most of the time) those are the books I read.

So for me it isn't about checking out what the competition is doing because I don't intend to write children's books. But whilst reading one can learn something because every writer has a distinctive way of conveying ideas. If it is better than anything you've seen, there is something you can learn from that writer.

6 years ago

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amelia88

amelia88

You know, ever since I had kids I've appreciated the work that goes into children's and young adults books so much more. So many of the stories are amazingly well written and really draw you in - much more than a lot of stuff directed to the adult market!

6 years ago

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iambeth

iambeth

I'm with you. I enjoy reading my kid's books and some of her comic books. However, I did not understand the handbooks about Minecraft.

6 years ago

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burgosmichael24

burgosmichael24

As a motivational speaker and a Bible study teacher, reading is not just a mere pleasure for me. Though I always find pleasure in reading especially those who can inspire me and feed me with knowledge and illumination. Reading is life for us. We need to feed ourselves with inspiration and life changing message from the Bible and other resources so we can be as effective as we should be. Nevertheless, we cannot give something that we don't have.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I read books to inspire and for pleasure too. Most of the people chose the same way like I do because the important thing why people read books is to learn something that will inspire to them and at the same time they feel good about it too.

6 years ago

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slugsinthai

slugsinthai

Definitely both. If I need a pick me up or am feeling a sense of longing I will turn to books for inspiration. My for pleasure books often come when I am feeling down and out, and need to escape the world for a bit. They aren't mutually exclusive, so my inspiring books can be quite pleasurable. I consider 'inspiring' books to be in the realm of biographies, historical fiction, and war memoirs, while please mainly is fiction. The books that have inspired me the most, though, have also been a joy to read.

6 years ago

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mark8625

mark8625

I am very amazed by the people who invented book. Is it really amazing? Without his invention I dont think we enjoy reading books up to now.

6 years ago

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focusedwriter10

focusedwriter10

I love reading and in most cases, I read books for pleasure. Ever since I was in high school, I developed the reading culture as a form of relaxation. Since then, reading is a thing I do as a leisure activity.

However, as I read for pleasure and relaxation to be precise, I always come across books that inspire me. Not all books are an inspiration, but every book has a theme and a lesson to learn.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

I also love reading just like other people here in the site since we can really gain a lot of benefits from it and we can really make good things from it which is one thing that makes me attracted to read books. I am really inspired whenever I am reading some informative articles especially if it is all about money making online and how to get rich since it was one of my most favorite topic that I always try to find in some books.

6 years ago

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stormbreaker10

stormbreaker10

I read books is for my pleasure, because pleasure to be learned and inspired.

6 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

Yes you are right. If you pleased yourslef by reading a book then inspiration will be next to come.

6 years ago

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emiaj55

emiaj55

I usually read for pleasure. Reading has been a hobby for me since High school. Back then we didn't have clubs but we had committees. I was assigned under the Socio-Academics committee and I became a student librarian. Back then we weren't allowed to have mobile phones so the only ways to pass the boredom was to read or write (or doodle). That was when I formed the habit of reading just about anything.

6 years ago

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mitan143

mitan143

Honestly, there are various reasons why I read books or any reading materials. It depends upon on my need that day. I read because I need information/data, also to satisfy my curiosity, get inspiration, for past time (reading for pleasure), etc. I do both but depends on the situation as per your question,

6 years ago

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Youngshark

Youngshark

I agree as well there are times when you have to read for research purposes or to get some information. I do not disapprove of anyone who still reads for pleasure even when they are researching but in many cases the books that are meant for pleasure are different from the informational kind.

6 years ago

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mirodge

mirodge

I read books for my own pleasure and also for inspiration. There books that inspires me. Like the book "Fitness Journey", it teaches me on how to start my diet and how to control my food intake. For books that could give me pleasure is that talks about a Love Story. I can finish reading a lover story book in just a day.

6 years ago

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cks003

cks003

I too get inspiration and new ideas from reading the works of other authors. That widens our horizon in terms of how we see and perceive one particular topic or area. Without one realising, getting new ideas and inspiration provides pleasure to me as well. So it is more to both inspiring and pleasure at the same time when reading books.

6 years ago

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hstinscdln

hstinscdln

I read books for pleasure, mostly. I don't get inspired by reading book but I do get ideas when I enjoy reading them. I read book for entertainment most of the time but it also gets used as a medium for me to get ideas and/or broaden it.

6 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

It may sound weird for a writer to say, but I actually don’t read for pleasure at all.

I don’t like to read novels since they’re just another form of entertainment. Usually I read either for inspiration or education. I like reading content that I can learn from; lessons which involve both writing and life. It’s why I’m mostly into books about science, philosophy, history, as well as spirituality and religion.

It’s the same reason why I don’t watch films much, as I prefer educational documentaries.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

You hit the nail in the head. For me, I derive pleasure from gaining knowledge. Nothing is as good as reading a book by Phillipp Mainlander, Albert Einstein, reading about the origins of Buddhism or the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

6 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

The origin and development of Buddhism are actually topics very close to my own heart! I’m really fond of Buddhist studies, and love reading about it from both a religious and analytical perspective.

There’s actually a great author called Jack Kornfield who not only has a PhD in clinical psychology but spent several years as a Buddhist monk under the training of the famous Ajahn Chah. He has plenty of works which blur the lines between traditional Buddhism and analytical psychology, which demonstrate how the religion came to be recognized as one of the world’s first sciences of the mind.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Wow! Thank you so much for telling me about this writer. I searched for his work online and went straight down the proverbial rabbit hole. He has an amazing perspective about two of my favorite subjects: human behavior and religion, and how both are so intimately interlaced.

6 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

No need for thanks, as it was my pleasure to introduce you to him!

He’s actually the person that influenced me to personally identify with the Buddhist religion and consider myself a practicing Buddhist. I find that the most convincing arguments are made when you can bridge the gaps between science, religion, and philosophy, and he does a wonderful job of doing all those things.

He’s done a great job of positively influencing and helping hundreds of thousands of people improve their lives through Buddhist philosophy, so he’s not only wise but an incredibly kind hearted and hard working individual.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

How humans seek the expansion and development of the being, elevating the individual's consciousness towards a universal collective has always seemed fascinating to me. Science is getting closer to the world of spirituality and Buddhism has been, for years, one of its main sources of research.

The idea that the West has of Buddhism, in general, is that it is a religion. But this millennial spiritual movement is perhaps more a philosophy or a non-theistic religion, which does not focus on the belief and devotion in some divinity, although it does not deny the existence of a creative source. I believe that the main reasons of interest that Science has regarding Buddhism is the perspective it has in the particularities of the mind and how it influences the focus of reality.

6 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

I think that a good portion of people in the West definitely still do feel that Buddhism is to be regarded as a religion in the way that Christianity or Islam is. So many of my friends and family members still think that the Buddha is some sort of deity that is worshipped, when the truth is that the Buddha himself asked not to be worshipped.

I keep trying to explain to them that he is a teacher that you regard with respect and bow to in reverence, but not because he demands worships. Many wise Buddhist teachers I’ve listened to—including the Dalai Lama himself—have openly stated Buddhism isn’t as much a religion as it is a philosophy or a guide to life.

That being said, it also depends on the tradition, as some sects definitely treat it more like a religion than others. I personally identify most with Theravada because it's closest to the original roots and intentions of the Buddha's teachings.

6 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

I read books for both reason. But I do lot enjoy it when I do not do the dissecting part. You don't need to make it hard for you just read it if you wanted it.

6 years ago

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edencaga

edencaga

Well, I do both for inspiration and for pleasure. Its better to be motivated when reading a book so its good to choose a book that will suite your interest as well as giving you also an inspiration.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I agree. I find that I'm most motivated by heartfelt writing. Some books just make you feel warm inside. It's like you're learning to understand yourself more. Especially, on how to be kind and compassionate to others as well.

6 years ago

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edencaga

edencaga

Yes true. Reading is like a job. If you are passionate with your job and its your interest, you want to understand and learn more about your job. You are happy to do it same thing as reading books. You feel motivated if your happy with what you are reading.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Ah, I've never thought about it like that, but you're absolutely right! If you don't derive pleasure or are interested in reading, it would probably become more of a chore. You might even avoid reading altogether. Just like work, you have to be passionate about it to be able to enjoy it.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Both, and many more other things. I read to learn, to know about the past and to imagine the future, to understand human behavior and how dialogs are constructed. Reading books has always been an endless source of information, yes, even in those books that aren't so good. Books can teach you almost everything.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I love what you said. I'm confident you're a passionate reader at heart. Information appears to be very important to you. You helped me remember that the primary reason for reading is gaining knowledge.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Thank you! Yes, knowledge is the base of everything. Without it, where would humanity be? And of course, books have a huge part in the spreading of knowledge and reason. Nevertheless, I also read a lot for pleasure purposes! So it's a little bit of each.

6 years ago

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katarinamurtin

katarinamurtin

At first I thought I am reading only for pleasure but then I realized that when I write I occasionally use the words, phrases stories and pictures the writer used. So I guess I read for both pleasure and inspiration. It really doesn't matter as long as you read I guess.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

I think so too. It's nice to enjoy both sides. In fact, when we like what we're reading, we're usually inspired by them. I probably wouldn't want that to happen while reading Horror. That would be a different story.

6 years ago

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mcnasci24

mcnasci24

Thank you for creating this thread. I've been checking out several of the recommendations that others have posted and found some unique books to read now! Plus, how each person perceives pleasure and inspiration was also an interesting read.

6 years ago

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agbuyarashel

agbuyarashel

The main purpose why I read is to kill time and have something to do when I'm free but as I continue reading books, I gained knowledge; good grammar, new vocabulary and concepts, also it is a great way to gain more friends. You might ve able to use it to start a conversation especially to introverts like me.

6 years ago

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agbuyarashel

agbuyarashel

The reason why I love reading books is because of my disability. There are lots of things that I am not vmcapable of doing and it is very different when I read. It feels like I am in a new world that no one can touch.
I feel like I'm the lead of the story and I am able to do what I cannot do in real life. All his/her experiences and emotions feel like mine.

6 years ago

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Jelineex

Jelineex

We all have valid reason why we love to read. I like to take books because I'm hungry for knowledge. It is one source that gives us freedom from ignorance. What we know comes from what we read, what we see and what we observe. This is a great help in our life. I also intend to read out of curiosity. I wanted to know the nature of the book and how useful will it be.

6 years ago

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mhingnhormz

mhingnhormz

I read books in both reasons. I can only read a book in my free time in which i can't find a things that i searching for so i read a book to calm my selfand be inspired again. in reading books you can't only be inspired, it will also gives you a additional knowledge and gives you advices

6 years ago

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laurenb111

laurenb111

It depends on what kind of book it is, for me, personally. I’ll read for pleasure if I’m in the mood for a good story or memoir. A good story, essentially. That’s why I don’t often read for pleasure - I’m not often in the mood to read stories. However, to get inspired I’ll usually read tutorial books. If I want to start my own diner location, I’ll read a book on entrepreneurship and how to start a business. It makes me feel like “Yeah, let’s do this! I know how now, the book lays it all out right here - so, let’s go, go, go! What’s first?” Reading for pleasure is great, don’t get me wrong, but I more often read to get inspired.

6 years ago

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koki12346

koki12346

How about reading to get more education? Or reading to get "smarter" ? I spent 5 years of my life reading reading sci-fi and fairy tales as i may say... and at the end I found out that those 5 years were a waste of my time.. After that just started reading economics and sports books...

6 years ago

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luv2xacosta

luv2xacosta

Both, i read to keep me inspired and at the same time to find pleasure on what I am reading. There are some books that inspired me to follow my passion and to stand from what I believe.

6 years ago

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cjctm11

cjctm11

Reading books have different meanings for the readers. It might be for a hobby, to learn something new, for free time, or just love reading books. Like myself I only read books for pleasure and some stories that is just made up but possibly happening in real life. It was fun to read specially on something you really like or might be helpful for your life. It will also help you to improve your grammar.

6 years ago

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