Comparing and contrasting two major influences in the lives of all people always provides intriguing results and gives us more insight into how we function as human beings and what influences and to which extent. Contrasting two entertainment mediums can give us insight and a better understanding of the positive and negative aspects of both.
Books and music have a way of influencing people in different aspects. But, besides the obvious, what’s interesting is how much it influences us and why. Certain individuals enjoy listening to music while others enjoy reading books. However there are many similarities and differences between both, and they certainly affect people in different ways.
One of the biggest influences reading a book can have on us is our emotional state. Reading books help us relieve our emotions, but over a certain period of time, not instantly. While it does help with reducing stress and negativity, because it takes a long time to read, individuals usually choose other means of relaxing and enjoying themselves.
However, when it comes to being influenced by books from multiple cultures, this is where the language barrier prevents us from understanding and feeling. However, individuals who do read books aren’t only influenced emotionally by them. The more someone reads books, the more knowledge they gain, enrich their vocabulary and become more understanding of different world cultures, although they might not know the language. This is a powerful way of introducing the varieties of the world, even though there’s a language barrier.
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Books also induce certain feelings, however, good or bad, these feelings don’t come to us in a matter of seconds. Books have a way of slowly introducing certain notions and thoughts into our minds and making us think deeper about what we read.
What about the feeling of togetherness? Books are usually a solitary action. While there are group readings and book discussions organized, books are initially made for reading alone, therefore, it usually doesn’t boost your team spirit or create a feeling of connection.
One huge advantage of reading books is getting knowledge and information from them. Although there are different genres of books available that cater to diverse needs and have different goals. Overall, books are packed with information that can teach us so much and pack our brains with knowledge. It influences us to stay curious and motivated to learn new things and thrive on expanding our knowledge.
Similar to books, music helps to get rid of negative emotions, but only in a much more efficient way. Overall, it’s a more popular medium for relaxation because it provides instant gratification.
Unlike books, music brings people together through melody, no matter which language is in question. It can be English, Spanish, French, or Tagalog, but the melody itself can make us feel a certain way. Similar to books, music can bring people together through different cultures. We are able to listen to music in different languages, created and inspired by various traditions in the world.
From yet another perspective, music tends to hit our emotions right away and cause abrupt reactions. These reactions can be both positive and negative, but the reality is, listening to music instantly changes our mood.
Unlike books, music has the power to bring people together and make them feel like they’re a part of the team. Whether it’s through dancing together, in a group, or even sharing the same passion for certain music. We can all listen to and enjoy the same song together. There are so many dance groups out there that came together because of the love for the same type of music, and ever since then, different melodies cultivated an entire world of groups and individuals competing to show who sings, plays, or loves music better.
Once again, unlike books, music isn’t informational. Although it does affect emotions and causes the feeling of togetherness, it does not enable us to learn from it. How much knowledge can actually fit in a 4-minute song? Songs can carry messages and ideas, but they can not carry knowledge about our past, teach us new skills or expand our knowledge about a certain field, which might be a downside to listening to music, then again, songs can carry powerful messages and ideas.
When it comes to comparing and contrasting books and music, it’s a hard process. Both have their positive and negative influences and are more powerful at affecting or influencing certain feelings or changes. However, there’s no denying that both can and will keep on influencing generations to come, and it’s only safe to say, that the best choice is to have both things influence your life in order to reap all the benefits.