Cramped schedules

The declining popularity of reading is a problem which has drawn people's attention for years, with nationwide investigations having been carried out to assess the reading habits of Chinese citizens.

According to the latest nationwide reading investigation conducted by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication in 2012, Chinese citizens aged between 18 and 70 read an average of only 4.35 printed books a year.

"I think a major reason for this is the widespread addiction to the Internet and electronic gadgets," said Liu.

Liu's opinion was echoed by Zhang Baoyi, Director of the Institute of Sociology at Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences. "Electronic products do not help promote reading in China. This is sad," said Zhang.

Zhang said, "China has a literary cultural tradition dating back thousands of years, but it is endangered by cultural discontinuity. We need reading to help culture to continue being passed down."

Chinese psychologists believe there are in-depth reasons for the loss of interest in reading.

The reason that many do not read, or more correctly, read intensively, is an extreme anxiety in their heart, said Zhao Lijun, a Chinese psychologist.

Fast-paced social interactions, life pressure and negative emotions stop them from becoming engaged in reading. More and more people invest their time and energy into comparing themselves with others. They care more about their salary, career and the size of their apartment than the accumulation of knowledge and abilities, said Zhao.

"Reading is especially important in this information age, because so many new things are emerging. Those things we used to know are changing quickly. The only way to prevent us from the panic that such rapid change brings is to read more and learn more," said Zhao.

No matter how busy people are, they should put away their gadgets and make some time for reading, said Zhao.

Losing yourself

The problem is that nowadays, some young people believe there is no difference between browsing on a cellphone and reading a book, since both are means of obtaining information. Some even regard reading books as outdated.

"Although online browsing is quick and timely, it will make people too lazy to think, and it could lead to decreased critical thinking and judgment abilities," said Zhao.

Zhu Yongxin, an educator and Vice Secretary General of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), emphasized the significance of reading for the nation. Zhu has been advocating that China establish a National Reading Day since 2003.

"People should read good books, especially the classics. Reading helps you truly immerse yourself in the characters' life and share their feelings. It helps you learn to be grateful, to love, to trust, and to cooperate," Zhu said.

He emphasized that reading is particularly important for primary and middle school students, who "are at a critical time for forming an interest in, and habit of, reading." Zhu said a person's spiritual hunger is also formed at this period. "If a person doesn't get the spiritual and intellectual nutrition that reading can give you at this age, it will be very difficult for him to form a desire to read in their later life."

Fortunately, this problem has drawn plenty of attention in Chinese society. Deputies to the National People's Congress have submitted proposals on promoting reading, and are currently awaiting a proper decision from China's top legislature.

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