Why Do We Accumulate Books Without Reading Them? The Answer Comes from Japan

Why Do We Accumulate Books Without Reading Them? The Answer Comes from Japan

Have you ever found yourself buying books with the intention of reading them, only to let them sit untouched on your shelf for months or even years? If so, you may be familiar with the Japanese term "tsundoku," which perfectly captures this phenomenon. Tsundoku is a combination of three words: "tsunde" (to pile up or accumulate), "doku" (to read), and "oku" (to leave for a while). It refers to the act of accumulating books and then leaving them unread for an indefinite period of time.

The concept of tsundoku has been around since 1879 and is prevalent in both Eastern and Western cultures. Many people buy books with the intention of reading them but end up adding them to their ever-growing collection, often forgetting about them as new books capture their interest. This behavior can be traced back to the Middle Ages when individuals began amassing books as a symbol of knowledge and status.

For bibliophiles, the love of books goes beyond mere accumulation. A true bibliophile not only owns a vast collection of books but also makes a genuine effort to read them all. They have a thirst for knowledge and a deep appreciation for the physicality of books with their rough pages. A bibliophile is also a collector, often seeking out rare editions of well-known books, autographed copies from their favorite authors, or out-of-print volumes that are no longer available in stores.

While tsundoku may seem like a negative habit, it primarily affects what is known as "strong readers" – those who have read at least 12 books within a year. In Italy, for example, only 15.2% of the population were classified as strong readers in 2022, indicating a relatively low percentage. However, buying books, regardless of whether they are read or not, can still have benefits for one's mental health. Research has shown that the act of purchasing an item, including books, can improve one's mood. And when it comes to books, there is an additional advantage. As the American writer Alfred Edward Newton, a self-proclaimed bibliophile, once said, "Even when they are not read, the presence of owned books produces a form of ecstasy: buying more books than we can read is nothing but an attempt of the soul to get closer to infinity. We appreciate books even if we haven't read them; just knowing that they are nearby makes us feel comfortable. The mere fact of having them available gives us a sense of security."

So, how can we strike a balance between accumulating books and actually reading them? One approach is to embrace the concept of spaced repetition, which has been proven to enhance learning and retention. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that takes advantage of the spacing effect – the finding that study sessions are more effective when they are spaced out over time. Instead of cramming a large amount of information all at once, it is more effective to revisit and review concepts at intervals based on how well they are retained.

The concept of spaced repetition was first discovered by German psychologist Dr. Ebbinghaus. He found that if we actively interrupt the forgetting process at the right time and in the right way through repeated active recall, we can retain knowledge longer and flatten the "forgetting curve." One popular method that utilizes spaced repetition is the Leitner system, where flashcards are ordered based on the learner's performance. Flashcards that are answered correctly are moved to the back of the deck and seen less frequently, while those answered incorrectly are brought to the front for more frequent review.

Applying the principles of spaced repetition to reading can help us overcome the tsundoku habit. By setting aside dedicated time for reading and incorporating regular review sessions, we can ensure that the books we accumulate are not left unread. Furthermore, technology can assist us in this endeavor. Platforms like Codecademy, for example, use learning data and the spaced repetition technique to algorithmically determine what topics or concepts individuals need to practice and when. By curating personalized practice packs based on an individual's progress, these platforms can seamlessly integrate review materials into the learning journey, saving time and improving long-term retention.

In conclusion, the act of accumulating books without reading them, known as tsundoku, is a common phenomenon that has been observed throughout history. While it may seem like a negative habit, it primarily affects strong readers who have a genuine love for books. However, the presence of books, whether read or not, can provide a sense of comfort and security. To strike a balance between accumulating books and actually reading them, incorporating the principles of spaced repetition can be beneficial. By setting aside dedicated time for reading and incorporating regular review sessions, we can ensure that our books do not become forgotten treasures on the shelf. Additionally, leveraging technology and platforms that utilize spaced repetition techniques can further enhance our learning and retention. So, let's embrace the joy of reading and make the most of our book collections. Remember, it's not just about the accumulation but also about the experience of diving into the pages and expanding our knowledge.