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cover of episode How to tap into the transformative power of reading (with Michelle Kuo)

How to tap into the transformative power of reading (with Michelle Kuo)

2021/5/24
logo of podcast How to Be a Better Human

How to Be a Better Human

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Chris Duffy
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Michelle Kuo
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Chris Duffy: 本期节目探讨阅读的力量,特别是阅读作为一种逃避方式,以及培养想象力和同理心的作用。阅读能够让人接触到知识、不同的地方、人和想法以及经历,并帮助人们在压力大的时候获得平静和慰藉。 Michelle Kuo: 阅读改变了作者与狱中前学生的互动方式,使他们在不平等的关系中获得暂时的平等。阅读能够培养个体的独特个性,让人对自身和世界有更深刻的理解。阅读提供了一个空间,让人在道德上对美好和令人钦佩的事物有清晰的认识,并能评估他人的选择和行为。阅读能帮助那些被贴上“坏孩子”标签的孩子们平静下来,并与虚构角色产生联系。在社区中与他人一起阅读,例如读书会或监狱,能够促进人际间的联系。不论阅读什么类型的书,只要能让人继续阅读下去,就具有价值。讲述与狱中前学生的阅读经历,不仅关乎个体故事,也关乎社会不平等,以及如何缩小彼此间的差距。阅读能够创造一个共同的共享世界,尤其是在背景差异很大的两个人之间,促进彼此的理解和连接。阅读能够让人在阅读过程中成为平等的个体,尤其是在监狱等压抑的环境中。阅读能够让人在压抑的环境中获得希望和尊严。阅读不同类型的书籍,例如历史小说,可以帮助人们打破固有的思维模式,并尝试理解不同的社会和历史背景。为了保持阅读的可能性和视野的开阔,她尽量避免只阅读当代小说,也会阅读一些经典作品和历史类书籍来填补知识空白。如何平衡对内在世界(艺术、诗歌)和外在世界(社会不公)的关注,是一个持续的挑战。即使在困境中,人们仍然渴望创造和表达,这体现了创造力的不可压抑性。即使是那些物质生活匮乏的人,也需要和能够欣赏美和艺术,这并非相互排斥的。阅读的意义在于尊重和肯定个体的内在生活,但它并不能解决所有问题。她正在努力学习对自身更有耐心,不以他人的标准衡量自己的成功。她认为创作的价值不应仅仅取决于外部的认可,而应该重视创作本身的过程和意义。 Chris Duffy: 阅读能够让人接触到知识、不同的地方、人和想法以及经历。阅读改变了作者与狱中前学生的互动方式,使他们在不平等的关系中获得暂时的平等。阅读有助于培养想象力和同理心,让人能够设身处地为他人着想。成为更好的读者需要创造一个安静的空间,远离手机等干扰,专注于阅读。如果不喜欢一本书,可以随时停止阅读,不必强迫自己读完。纸质书比电子阅读器更利于仔细阅读。阅读是一种纯粹的内省活动,不以外部的评价为目的。

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Reading can create intimate moments and reveal personal insights, fostering a sense of equality and mutual understanding between individuals.

Shownotes Transcript

When was the last time you got lost in a book? If it’s been a minute, today’s guest might recommend you visit a local library or bookstore ASAP. Michelle Kuo is a teacher, lawyer, writer who is passionate about reading in communities with other people, whether that's through book clubs or in prisons. In this episode, we talk about how reading skills reveal the bridging power of the written word -- as well as the limitations of its power. In 2017, she released “Reading with Patrick”, a memoir of teaching reading in a rural county jail in Arkansas. The book explores Michelle’s relationship with a former student, Patrick, whom she wrote and read with, prompting questions about what we owe each other in a world where economic and racial inequality determine life outcomes. You can follow Michelle through her newsletter at ampleroad.substack.com To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhuman)