Things I am Thankful for #12 Books.
While blogs and podcasts are great, there is nothing like the written word. There is a completely different effect, at least for me, when reading the same material on paper versus on a computer screen. The first example that comes to mind is the Bible. While sites like www.biblegateway.com are great tools for referencing scripture and comparing numerous versions, they cannot compare to the reading of a hard copy of sacred scripture.
Another example that comes to mind, sadly, is online technical research. At work, I use a computer-based research tool for researching tax topics. When I finally find the source I am looking for, I cannot focus on what I need in the document unless I print it out and read it on paper.
I am also thankful for books because they are the first medium that was historically used to spread mass communication. Think about it, there is a multitude of resources available in public libraries that cannot even be legitimately tapped on the Internet.
Also, it has been said that the Reformation would never have happened had it not been for the printing press.
