[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fsLmYxPCtW67iCPDIktWb7y9GIPbMP5Cooh3naOlvoPQ":3,"$fhHgawSkUzCtIwc8Z7ssr-bBi2Z6l19oDkbSHLXX7OX4":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},209819,"Steve Matthews","S",2,null,"steve-matthews",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":29},[14,23],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":22},3447175,"What is nicer than disappearing into the pages of a book for a few hours?",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nSteve Matthews, a British poet and critic, likely uttered these words during the mid-20th century, an era marked by the rise of mass consumerism and media saturation. As a poet, Matthews was acutely aware of the dehumanizing effects of modern life, where people were increasingly disconnected from meaningful experiences.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nWhat appears to be a simple appreciation for reading is actually a commentary on the fleeting nature of human connection in an era dominated by technology and mass culture. Matthews suggests that even escapist activities like reading are more profound than they seem because they allow us to momentarily transcend our mundane lives, if only briefly.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this insight today, consider how you can use seemingly trivial tasks or hobbies as opportunities to step outside the monotony of daily routine and reconnect with your own thoughts and emotions. By doing so, you may find that even mundane activities like reading can become a means of personal rejuvenation.",{"id":24,"quote_text":25,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":26,"source":27,"quote_tag":28,"commentary":9},3447171,"Literacy is far more significant now than it has been for very many years. I think it is critical that we share books with our kids from a very early age – read to them, read for them, read with them!",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":30,"totalPages":30,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":31},1,10]