The Age of Information, the Internet, and the Importance of Books
In today’s information age, humanity lives within a flow of knowledge unlike any other period in history. With just a click, we can access unlimited content that offers great opportunities but also poses serious risks. The line between genuine knowledge and superficial information grows increasingly blurred; mental pollution and spiritual shallowness intensify each day.
At this point, both ancient wisdom and modern psychology remind us of an essential truth: understanding the value of knowledge and using it in the right context at the right time is a vital need. In this essay, we will discuss how to make our relationship with knowledge deeper and healthier—exploring everything from the meaning that values add to knowledge, to the impact of social media on the brain, the hidden power of reading books, and the wisdom of our ancestors.
The Contribution of True Knowledge to Learning
Authentic knowledge provides both direction and boundaries. Knowledge on its own is often neutral; depending on how it is used, it may bring benefit or harm. Ethical guidance gives knowledge its purpose and prevents it from becoming destructive. Just as atomic physics can create energy or build a bomb, the outcome depends on the values that govern it. When knowledge aligns with values, the mind finds clarity and the spirit finds peace.
Knowledge also leads individuals toward self-awareness. As the saying goes, “to know is to know oneself.” It protects us from shallow distractions, teaches patience, and deepens the value of processes that require effort—like reading.
Religion and Science: Balance or Barrier?
Religion, when understood correctly, does not oppose science but instead provides ethical guidance and meaning. However, when reduced to rigid dogma, it may suppress curiosity and hinder inquiry, thus slowing scientific progress. Throughout history, figures like Avicenna, Farabi, Newton, and Pascal saw their faith not as an obstacle but as a source of inspiration in science. Misinterpretations—not religion itself—turn it into a barrier.
The Right Time for Knowledge
Like a tree that blossoms too early and loses its flowers to frost, knowledge given prematurely can burden the mind and spirit. When knowledge comes at the right age, in the right context, and at the right moment of need, it takes root and transforms into wisdom that benefits both the individual and society.
Fake Lives – Real Consequences
Social media amplifies illusions of perfect lives, leading to harmful comparisons and dissatisfaction. People begin to undervalue their own lives, and children imitate exaggerated images rather than authentic role models. This weakens identity development and undermines family bonds. While books nurture the inner self, social media fosters dependency on external validation.
Does Social Media Shrink the Brain?
Although social media does not physically shrink the brain, it alters its functioning. Attention spans shorten, memory weakens, and deep focus becomes difficult. Constant dopamine stimulation from screens undermines self-control and decision-making. As a result, the brain processes information more superficially and loses its capacity for deep thought.
Narrowing of Mental Depth
When the brain’s ability to think deeply weakens, critical thinking fades and people become more susceptible to manipulation. Empathy decreases, relationships weaken, and individuals increasingly seek shallow stimulation, creating cycles of dependency and dissatisfaction. Reading and engaging with meaningful knowledge are powerful antidotes to this decline.
Superficial Thinking and the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Like a muscle, the brain strengthens with use. Deep thinking, problem-solving, and reading increase cognitive reserve, which protects against Alzheimer’s. In contrast, surface-level information and passive screen use fail to build strong neural connections, raising the risk of cognitive decline in old age.
The Secrets of Reading
Books purify the mind from mental clutter, strengthen memory, foster patience, and develop creativity. Reading is also an emotional and spiritual journey that provides meaning, identity, and empathy. Shared reading strengthens family bonds and passes cultural values across generations.
Books filter knowledge like bees extract nectar to produce honey—transforming scattered information into lasting nourishment. Superficial information, in contrast, is like sugary water: sweet but empty, offering no real sustenance.
“What’s Inside the Jar Will Spill Out”
As our ancestors said, whatever fills a vessel will pour from it. A mind filled with superficiality spreads unrest, while one enriched with books, values, and truth radiates peace and meaning. The knowledge we internalize not only shapes us but also impacts our families and future generations.
Conclusion
Knowledge can either elevate or destroy, depending on how it is used. When guided by values, it becomes a force of wisdom and healing. Social media often narrows the mind, while books deepen the soul and broaden understanding. In the end, we reflect outward what we store within. For this reason, turning to authentic knowledge and embracing the transformative power of books is not only a personal duty but also a social responsibility.
~ Ibrahim Orhan
