Have you ever come across someone who collects a multiple of books but never quite manages to read them? This phenomenon is referred to as Tsundoku. It is a Japanese term that means collecting books but not reading them resulting in the stacking of books. It combines the words “tsunde” (meaning “to stack”) and “oku” (meaning “to leave”).
Tsundoku can be explained by various psychological factors. One key factor is the pleasure and dopamine release associated with acquiring new books. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to reward and satisfaction, and the act of purchasing books can trigger this response. When you are buying a book, it gives a sense of accomplishment and immediate gratification. Humans are naturally inclined towards seeking short-term rewards. As a result, you may continue to accumulate books without actually reading them. The pleasure of purchasing overshadows the fulfillment of reading. Factors like procrastination, lack of time, and distractions in our daily lives can also contribute to the pile-up of books we haven’t read yet.
As per Lifestyle psychologists, people have various motivations for buying books. Some purchase them purely as decorative items, while others do it to show off their reading habits or due to peer pressure. However, for many people, tsundoku is not seen as a waste of money or time. It’s actually a way to express love for books and build a collection that brings happiness. Just having books around can reduce stress and promote well-being, similar to how plants have a calming effect.
To tackle Tsundoku, start by going through your book collection and getting rid of the ones you’re no longer interested in. Set realistic reading goals and establish a routine to dedicate time to reading regularly. You can take advantage of local libraries and explore e-books and audiobooks. Think twice before purchasing books, are you really going to read them? Read reviews of books before any purchase. One of the best ways is to actually read the books and then pass them on to others as gifts or donations. By circulating books within friends’ group, you can reduce the accumulation of unread books and also save money.
Tsundoku, although it can be seen as a form of hoarding, is generally not considered a problematic habit. However, if you have concerns about this behavior and wish to address it, you can follow these simple suggestions.