Ask HN: Why Read Books? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Why Read Books?

#11

Post by maxrf » Fri, Jan 06, 2023, 7:56 PM UTC

soueuls wrote: post #10

It provides an experience I can't reproduce anywhere else. I read Don Quichotte early 2022. It's absurd, insane, the main character is not reliable, yet he is brave, willing to make the world a better place to fit his knight ideals exist. You can't find such a story elsewhere. I read Lolita, I have never seen anyone talk about depravation with such a beautiful prose. I am now reading The Brothers Karamazov. Right on…

Agree with this - and non-fiction too, all good writing is considered and distilled. One of the things I value about HN is the links to pieces I wouldn't have found otherwise - with links to source within a well thought through opinion. Good writing can make you think/feel deeply in a way that, in my experience at least, conversation can't.

Re: Ask HN: Why Read Books?

#12

Post by simonblack » Sat, Jan 07, 2023, 1:40 AM UTC

The printed word has stood the test of time. All you need is a pair of good eyes that can focus on that printing. No other resources necessary.

Paper (as books, brochures, newpapers) also beats a Kindle for longevity. The Kindle is good for convenience where weight is a factor.

I always give people a challenge: What would your life be like if there was no electricity for six months? Would you even still be alive at the end of those six months? One thing is for sure. That book you have would still be usable. Bars, television, movies, sports, social media: not so much.

Re: Ask HN: Why Read Books?

#13

Post by scombridae » Sat, Jan 07, 2023, 2:38 AM UTC

simonblack wrote: post #12

The printed word has stood the test of time. All you need is a pair of good eyes that can focus on that printing. No other resources necessary. Paper (as books, brochures, newpapers) also beats a Kindle for longevity. The Kindle is good for convenience where weight is a factor. I always give people a challenge: What would your life be like if there was no electricity for six months? Would you even still be alive at t…

What would life be like if there was no electricity for six months?

My pacemaker would stop ticking, and I'd die. So no, I'm gonna go to as many bars, cinemas and video arcades as possible, and books can go suck it.