Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Poetry books have long been at the centre of a treasured collectable tradition
The habit of reading, or rather reading aloud, is much more than just a way to boost our empathy or take a chill pill.
It has a physiological effect, promoting the release of oxytocin and ending a sensory deprivation spiral.
It is why Joan Borysenko and Peter Wagg occasionally take to the stage at the Green Man Festival in Wales to read from poetry in high heels and electric bracelets.
But I came across the ability to read aloud only last week when I learned how Wikipedia first worked and discovered that the New York Times recently did a quiz to discover what superpowers we have.
Image copyright Emilia Maschmeyer Image caption Poetry has a huge variety of themes and mediums – and a wonderful life span
It turns out that while reading the timesheet between our teeth, we can detect knowledge and facts in long form texts.
I’ve tried it myself, and developed a surprisingly good ability to read poetry, history and science in short bursts of words.
My verdict? It’s great fun. A mind trick that makes you “feel” smarter.
This piece originally appeared on iGuide – and is reproduced here with permission.