“Epoch Times” will not be the only media I read, but if I had to choose just one newspaper subscription, then I would choose “Epoch Times.” – Mr. Liang, a 26-year-old reader.
Liang, who has been subscribing to “Epoch Times” since December 2022, stated that in an era where major media outlets are decreasing print circulation, the significance of “Epoch Times” being able to promote printed newspapers is substantial. He collects about three to four articles from “Epoch Times” every week, and these reports are ones he greatly enjoys. After reading them, they continue to stimulate his thoughts, prompting new shifts in his values, resulting in significant changes happening steadily week by week.
Discussing the changes brought about by reading “Epoch Times,” he shared an example from an article in the supplementary section “Education Field,” titled “The Filial Piety of Emperor Kangxi, Continuous Filial Devotion for Decades.” The story portrays how Emperor Kangxi showed filial piety towards his ailing grandmother by tenderly caring for her despite her intentional difficulties. Reflecting on how he used to respond to his parents’ nagging by simply complying, he had thought he was being filial. However, after reading about Emperor Kangxi’s deeds, he realized that his idea of filial piety was merely “being too lazy to argue” rather than actively seeking to alleviate his parents’ concerns. This reading led him to approach problems from his parents’ perspective, a revelation he had not expected from reading Kangxi’s story.
While most young people rely heavily on the internet and seldom read print materials, Liang, who loves reading, has his observations. He believes that reading physical print provides a different experience from reading on screens. When facing a screen, one’s focus is restricted to the information displayed, without leaving a lasting impression. Especially with quick internet video consumption, attention spans may last only for a few seconds before moving on, resulting in living in short-term memory. Many around him, including himself, fall into this pattern.
Reading printed content not only helps him remember the content itself but also inadvertently recalls the circumstances of the reading experience, such as the time, location, and the information encountered. This situational memory enhances the impressions and allows for vivid recollection even after many years. Liang finds this “contextual memory” unique to print reading, as tablets or phones confine individuals to a screen and make it challenging to immerse themselves in such circumstances.
Furthermore, Liang noted another aspect of print reading – the ease with which one can wholly immerse themselves in the context of a book. He mentioned this phenomenon as being less common in other media, praising “Epoch Times” for its magazine-like qualities presented in a newspaper format with a broad selection of deep and insightful articles. From historical discussions to astronomical discoveries, interpersonal relationships, self-management, art appreciation, literary analysis, international news, and financial insights, the variety of content in “Epoch Times” enriches his reading experience, offering a diverse range of scenarios.
Reading “Epoch Times” is not always about work or study; it serves as a form of entertainment. It’s not an addictive form of entertainment, but rather a comforting one that allows for leisurely reading without the pressure to scrutinize every detail. Taking the time to read through the paper from cover to cover provides a pleasant experience.
Liang mentioned that while he reads other media, especially online content, the experience of reading a physical newspaper like “Epoch Times” feels more composed and stable to him. The elegant layout, pleasing color schemes, and comfortable typesetting make him inclined to read further beyond just the headlines. Over a few months of consistent reading, he has developed a habit of delaying judgments rather than jumping to conclusions upon seeing a headline. With more extensive and in-depth reading, the values he retains become more resilient, regardless of shifting societal trends.
Liang described “Epoch Times” as “reclaiming media responsibility.” He emphasized that media development should not focus solely on sales figures but on fulfilling the media’s responsibility to society. He commended “Epoch Times” for covering topics that many mainstream media outlets shy away from, presenting unique viewpoints that he finds valuable. Moreover, he appreciated the publication’s integrity to resist the sensational allure of scandals and maintain cleanliness and quality even in its entertainment section, a level of ethics he respects. Many practices of “Epoch Times” could serve as valuable examples for many other media outlets.
For Liang, subscribing to “Epoch Times” offers a distinct information channel. Not every article may resonate with him or be agreed upon, but as long as some pieces are deemed essential and useful, he will continue his subscription. With continual progress and maintaining high standards, he is eager to recommend “Epoch Times” to others.