Focused

196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf

62 snips
Jan 30, 2024
Dr. Maryanne Wolf, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and advocate for literacy, shares her insights on how reading reshapes our brains. She highlights the transformative power of deep reading in fostering empathy and emotional understanding, especially through challenging literature. The conversation dives into the contrasts between print and digital reading, emphasizing the benefits of print for comprehension. Wolf also discusses the societal implications of literacy, stressing the need for nurturing reading habits amidst today’s distractions.
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ANECDOTE

Early Love for Reading

  • Maryanne Wolf developed a love for reading in her small town, fostered by a librarian and books that transported her to different worlds.
  • Early exposure to diverse literature shaped her perspective and sparked a lifelong passion for the power of reading.
ANECDOTE

Transformative Hawaii Experience

  • A Peace Corps-like experience in rural Hawaii transformed Wolf's understanding of literacy.
  • Recognizing its power to uplift disadvantaged children, she shifted her focus to the science of reading and its impact on development.
INSIGHT

The Reading Brain

  • Humans were not born with the innate ability to read; it's a skill developed by connecting existing brain circuits.
  • This adaptability allows us to learn new inventions like literacy, numeracy, and skills relevant to the digital age.
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