The Science of Tsundoku: Understanding the Joy of Collecting Books We Might Never Read

Have you ever found yourself buying books that you know you might never read? If so, you might be guilty of tsundoku. Tsundoku is a Japanese term that refers to the habit of buying books and letting them pile up without ever reading them.

While some might see this habit as a waste of money and space, many book lovers find joy in collecting books they might never read. But why is that? What makes us want to own books we know we might never get around to reading?

The Joy of Possession

For many book lovers, owning books is a way of possessing knowledge. Even if they never get around to reading a particular book, having it on their shelf gives them a sense of intellectual achievement. It’s the same reason why some people collect art or antiques – the joy of possessing something of value.

The Promise of Escape

Books offer us an escape from reality. They take us to different worlds, introduce us to new characters, and allow us to experience things we might never get to in real life. Owning a book is like owning a ticket to another world – even if we never use it, the promise of escape is always there.

The Beauty of the Object

Books are not just containers of information – they are also beautiful objects. From the cover design to the typography, a well-made book is a work of art. Owning a beautiful book is like owning a piece of art – it’s something to be admired and appreciated for its aesthetic qualities.

The Comfort of Familiarity

For some, owning books is like having old friends. They might never read a particular book again, but having it on their shelf is like having a familiar face in the room. It’s comforting to know that the book is there, waiting to be picked up and revisited if the mood strikes.

The Science of Tsundoku

While tsundoku might seem like a frivolous habit, there is actually some science behind it. According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, people who own more books tend to be smarter and more successful than those who don’t. The study found that owning books is a sign of intellectual curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning.

So, if you’re guilty of tsundoku, don’t feel bad – you’re in good company. Embrace your love of books and revel in the joy of possessing knowledge, the promise of escape, the beauty of the object, and the comfort of familiarity. And who knows – maybe one day you’ll get around to reading all those books on your shelf.