Book Preferences and Intellligence: Dostoyevsky vs Harry Potter

Do you think a true preference for reading Dostoevsky over Harry Potter implies greater intelligence? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems. Reading preferences are influenced by a multitude of factors, ranging from personal interests to cultural background and life experiences.

Factors Influencing Reading Choices

Dostoevsky’s works often explore complex philosophical and psychological themes, appealing to individuals who enjoy deep, challenging literature. In contrast, the Harry Potter series captivates readers with its imaginative storytelling and themes of friendship and bravery. These differing genres cater to distinct tastes in literature.

Intelligence and Reading Material

Intelligence can manifest in various ways, including emotional intelligence, creativity, and analytical thinking. A person's choice in reading material may reflect their interests and values rather than a straightforward measure of intelligence. Both authors offer valuable insights and experiences through their writing, and the preference for one over the other is subjective.

Reading to Explore the Self

My personal preference for reading is driven by the desire to explore new worlds and to know myself better. If a book fails to resonate with me, I find it challenging to continue. For instance, six months ago, I purchased From Third World to First by Lee Kuan Yew, which a friend recommended as a must-read. However, I struggled to concentrate and eventually stopped reading it. After two weeks, I tried again, but again, I couldn't find any alignment with my own experiences or feelings.

I concluded that if someone genuinely prefers to read Dostoevsky over Harry Potter, it likely means they find more of themselves in Dostoevsky’s works than in Harry Potter. Dostoevsky’s literature helps them explore their inner selves more deeply, which is a rewarding experience that fosters confidence, satisfaction, and independence.

Comparing Reading Levels

These two sources suggest that while the first five books in the Harry Potter series are easier to read than any of the six books in Dostoevsky’s list, the final two Harry Potter books are more challenging. Sources like Grade Reading Levels of Harry Potter Books and Inspired Literature Inspiring Literacy provide insights into the reading levels of these books.

Conclusion

While it's impossible for me to generalize the intelligence of someone based solely on their reading preferences, it’s clear that reading to understand oneself better is a valuable pursuit. Indeed, knowing oneself better is directly related to knowing the world better. Therefore, if someone genuinely prefers to read Dostoevsky over Harry Potter, that preference indeed makes them more intelligent, as it signifies a deep, meaningful engagement with the material.