The Surprising Truth about Reading and Your Brain

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What if we were never meant to read? We were never meant to evolve into readers, so why did we? This video dives into the fascinating way our brains learned to read, why its so unnatural and also touches on why dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental conditions need to be considered with more nuance and care. Hope its valuable to you.

#mentalhealth #reading #dyslexia #evolution #neuroscience

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[AdrianMark]

You have the knowledge of a neurologist, and the enthusiasm of a philosopher. Great video!

[dwaipayan_dey]

Brilliantly explained —loved the nuanced take on how our brains adapt to reading.

[albo]

I normally read journal articles on Mendeley but I wonder if it's worth it printing some key papers because I take so much longer to process the info. This was super helpful and interesting. Thank you Dr. Nair!

[skyzablue]

So bizarre...I was thinking just today... about how reading doesn't seem like something we're designed to do. Then this popped up.

[Christopher-bp]

I certainly listened carefully to this video and am thinking about it.

[jment]

It is also very slow the amount material we have to go learn is increasing. There must be ways to store, transfer information to the brain more efficiently and faster with higher retention. I am sure humanity will discover or create them at some point.

[ctnszwz]

So words are a tool...but they are also animated with a life of their own. It makes sense why people develop fears/superstitions about certain words - people are reacting to them as they would a dangerous weapon or wild animal on a neurological level

[rookhoatzin]

Three people I know who have been avid readers, like myself, have developed macular degeneration. One is virtually blind after a long struggle. The other two have to get injections directly into their eyes monthly. I wonder if there is a connection? Reading takes such intense near focus. I have tried searching for relevant content but found nothing. Apparently the idea that reading may cause eye disease is not a subject that is considered yet??

[Christopher-bp]

I don't agree. Reading can be quite natural. The problems is that nobody taught you how to read. I've read War and Peace etc.. Also, some of the stuff you will remember the most will be stuff you have read.