Chapter 1: The Power of Words

The statement, "We read to know we’re not alone," resonates deeply. Although it's a quote I borrowed, it originates from the 1993 film Shadowlands, featuring Anthony Hopkins as the renowned C.S. Lewis. Lewis, a close associate of J.R.R. Tolkien, was an Oxford professor, theologian, and the creator of the beloved Narnia series. The film delves into his intellectual pursuits and his intriguing relationship with Joy Gresham, a Jewish-American poet who had distanced herself from atheism.

This sentiment rings true for many of us. We engage with literature not just for information but to forge connections—both with the characters within those pages and with the authors themselves. Lewis, in his final scene, emphasizes this idea by quoting a student referencing his father. It challenges us to seek out or create meaning, a hallmark of Lewis's teachings.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I've encountered numerous epiphanies through various genres—whether novels, non-fiction, graphic novels like Tintin, or biographies. Reading has always been more than simply absorbing facts; it's about a communion of thoughts and feelings with both characters and their creators.

The immersive worlds that novels offer—filled with rich narratives, profound messages, and thought-provoking philosophies—enrich our lives. Similarly, engaging non-fiction can spark countless "aha moments," from stories of pioneering inventors and philosophers to insights into DNA structure, meteorology, digital electronics, and ancient civilizations.

Before the internet, my explorations were fueled by my Young People’s Science Encyclopedia and my father's monthly National Geographic subscriptions. A pivotal book on digital electronics from Radio Shack transformed my understanding of the world. Without these early resources, my life would have taken a very different trajectory.

Biographies, too, provide invaluable lessons as they recount the true experiences of remarkable individuals—humanitarians, biomedical researchers, and tech entrepreneurs. They create a bond that brings joy and inspiration. And let’s not forget the thrill of escapism found in gripping stories or metaphors that encourage us to decipher deeper meanings alongside the narrative's journey. It’s a shared experience, not a solitary one.

Why is this? The world's vastness and diversity mean that we often encounter few people who share our intellectual, cultural, or mission-driven passions as profoundly as we find in literature. Through reading, we can feel connected intellectually, as if we have found kindred spirits who resonate with our thoughts.

While modern platforms like blogs, YouTube, and social media offer new avenues for connection, nothing matches the depth of engagement that a well-written book provides. We read to know we’re not alone, but perhaps that phrase conveys more than just companionship in thought.

The film does not fully explore this idea, leaving it open to interpretation. Now, it’s your turn to ponder this profound notion. (And why do we write?)

By the way, Shadowlands is a remarkable film that invites multiple viewings. Anthony Hopkins delivers a captivating performance that transports us to a time and place that feels lost to us now.