Introduction to the Power of Reading
Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Grégoire Borst, Full Professor of Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience of Education at the Université Paris Descartes. Professor Borst illustrates that reading is so much more than learning, enjoyment, or retaining information. It is mental training and brain strengthening.
The Benefits of Reading
By activating working memory, perspective taking, and sustained attention, reading builds true pathways in the brain that support critical thinking, empathy, and cognitive resilience. Fiction promotes the ability to make inferences about the mental state of others; Non-fiction books deepen factual knowledge and strengthen the ability to question, analyze and think critically.
Types of Reading and Their Effects
Fiction and non-fiction books have different effects on the brain. Fiction helps to develop empathy and understanding of others, while non-fiction books increase knowledge and critical thinking skills. Over time, such habits can reduce risk factors for cognitive decline.
The Importance of Reading on Paper
Borst emphasizes that reading on paper often results in greater memory retention than reading on a screen because of the spatial cues and embodied orientation in a physical book. He advocates integrating meaningful reading into education throughout life.
Reading as a Collective Investment
Ultimately, he invites us to consider reading as a shared investment in collective intelligence, solidarity, and thoughtful, educated citizenship. Reading can be a powerful defense against fragmentation and a pathway to deeper connections that promote social interactions and high-quality, lasting relationships.
