You may not have heard of tsundoku. And yet, when you know what this term refers to, we are sure that you will identify with it, especially if you are a book lover.
But what is tsundoku? What does it have to do with books? It's something bad? What is done if you suffer from it? Discover below everything you need to know about this term, from its meaning to advice related to it.
what is tsundoku
The tsundoku is a Japanese term that has to do with the action of acquiring books without reading them immediately, and then leave them piled in haphazard piles. This practice is common among those who love books and who enjoy the feeling of having a large collection, but sometimes have a hard time finding the time to read all the books they acquire.
Although some people may see tsundoku as a waste of money and time, for others it is simply a way of expressing their love of books and their desire to have a large collection. For these people, the simple fact of having books within their reach is a source of pleasure and satisfaction.
In addition to being a way of expressing love for books, tsundoku can also be a way to relieve stress and anxiety. Some studies have shown that simply having books nearby can reduce anxiety levels and improve general well-being (sort of like what happens with plants).
Some examples of tsundoku They may be:
- When a person buys a large number of books at a bookstore with no immediate plans to read them.
- A person who receives many books as gifts, but can't find the time to read them.
- Someone who buys books online without reading the reviews or checking to see if they really interest them.
- A person who buys a lot of books at book fairs or used book sales, but can't find the time to read them.
- A person who has a room full of unread books, or who only reads a few books a year.
Advantages and disadvantages of tsundoku
Right now that you know this term, it is possible that you see yourself reflected, or know someone who meets all the characteristics of tsundoku. This You can see it as something negative or positive, although in reality it has both advantages and disadvantages.
Starting with advantage, the most striking are the following:
- It allows people to express their love for books. For many people, the simple fact of having a large collection of books is something that makes them very happy. The Tsundoku allows them to purchase books and add them to their collection without the pressure of having to read them immediately.
- It can be a way to relieve stress and anxiety. As we have told you before, there are studies that determine that having books within reach lowers stress and anxiety levels, thus promoting general well-being.
- It can be a way to stimulate curiosity and learning. Having a large collection of books can stimulate curiosity and a desire to learn about a wide variety of topics.
Now, Although these advantages are very positive, we must not forget the other side of tsundoku either., that is, the negative parts, such as:
- The cost of books: Acquiring books without reading them immediately can be expensive in the long run.
- Lack of space for books: If you buy many books without reading them, it can be difficult to find space to store them all.
- Frustration with so much reading without reading: If many books are acquired without reading them, it can be stressful not being able to enjoy all of them. In addition, it can lead to mixed feelings, on the one hand the pleasure of having the books, and on the other the sadness of not enjoying them and having wasted time and money on them.
Tips to avoid falling into tsundoku
Falling easily into tsundoku is not difficult; Actually, as we currently live it is very easy to buy books but not read them due to lack of time (even so they are bought because they satisfy a need at that moment). However, the truth is that there are some things that can be done to avoid this. For example:
- Establish a list of books to read. One way to avoid buying too many books without reading them is to make a list of books you want to read. This will help you focus on the ones that really interest you and allow you to prioritize which books to purchase. Of course, you should not get off that list, even when there is a book that catches your attention; if you don't have time to read it, you shouldn't buy it.
- Use book lending services. Another option to avoid compulsive buying may be to use libraries or similar that allow book lending. Having a deadline to return them forces you to have to read them (or else you won't be able to do it by having to return it). This way you avoid spending money on them.
- Use apps to keep track of the books you've read. Apps like Goodreads allow you to keep track of the books you've read and recommend similar books based on your tastes. This will help you avoid buying books that don't interest you and you can discover new authors and genres.
- Give away or sell books you no longer need. If you have books that you no longer need or are not interested in, consider giving them away or selling them. This will free up space and reduce the number of unread books you have.
- Establish a reading time. Another way to avoid tsundoku is to set a reading schedule. By allocating a specific time to read each day, you'll be able to enjoy the books you buy and prevent them from piling up unread.
Now that you know what tsundoku is and all that it entails. It is up to you to succumb to this action or remedy it to avoid falling into a fall with books that you collect but never have time to read. Has it happened to you?