Over half of Portugal’s population does not read books

I came from a family of 5(2 parents, 3 children)), and there was no lack of resources when it came to buying books. 1 of the offspring was positively what you´d call a “book worm”. The father engaged in buying lots of books. Yet things are not as they seem. Case in point: the book worm wasn´t a particularly bright person(nor a kind 1, bc books can also be about sensitive things, not just intellectual). The father, whom I though read so many books, turned out to be a poseur. Young adult, I inquired him about a book he had in bookshelves that I had read as well. He tried to pass on the idea he´d read it, but helas… he was lying to me, lololol. Talk about myth-destroying realities!! So now i´m older and less naïve-bc when you don´t lie yourself, you don´t predict other ppl´s lies efficiently, lol, that´s the pb- I do not think being an avid reader makes you more intelligent or sensitive. Many ppl in this country don´t have the luxuries of time, money to make time(outsourcing your chores definitely adds to available free time, so money matters, basic living conditions matter), and I find this piece a tad insulting and paternalistic. Eg: a tram(elétrico) driver in Brussels might be more educated when it comes to literature than a high school student. But this is in Belgium, where citizens have basic conditions and services ppl here can only dream about.
Another thing worthy of note: there are 2 ppl who no longer live, that influenced me DEEPLY. These 2 ppl couldn´t read/write.1 was my maternal grandmother, who did huge sacrifices so that my mother+uncle could thrive and never have to break their backs in the fields.

By guida from Lisbon on 18 Feb 2022, 07:56