Nathan Jun
Nathan Jun is a Professor of Philosophy at Midwestern State University, where he has developed considerable experience teaching and mentoring students. Dr. Jun thrives on encouraging students to think critically about themselves and the world; he enjoys nurturing their spirit of intellectual curiosity and wonder. Even outside the classroom, Dr. Jun is dedicated to helping his students blossom into young scholars any chance he gets!
What is your hobby?
My main hobby is reading.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
When I was younger, I asked a lot of questions. Reading books helped sate my natural curiosity about myself and the world.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
Reading doesn’t just make us more knowledgeable; it makes (or has the capacity to make) us more self-aware, compassionate, and empathic. It opens our minds and instills us with a sense of wonder.
What types of things/equipment have you spent money on for your hobby?
Over the years I have accumulated several hundred books, most of which are housed in my office on campus.
What are some of your favorite places to shop for your hobby?
I prefer locally-owned / independent bookstores.
How much money have you invested into this? How much would a beginner have to invest to get started?
I’ve probably spent thousands of dollars on books over the years, but books are not terribly expensive, especially when they are bought used.
Are there any good books for beginners? Include the author’s name.
I would recommend J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. That is the book that made me fall in love with reading when I was in high school.
Are there any online videos you recommend to help beginners? Please include the link.
Yes, I recommend Thomas Frank’s video on reading books. Nice and easy ways to read literature for people who want to make it habitual.
Link: https://youtu.be/iiNISuM4wl0
How has your hobby changed your life?
Reading has opened my eyes to so many new experiences that I had never imagined before; I love every second I spend doing it.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Quality is more important than quantity; read deeply before you read widely.