How Reading Simulates Real-Life Actions

Neuroimaging shows that when you read a text, the same parts of your brain activate as if you're doing that activity. So, example, if you're reading about a very detailed account of how somebody is running a marathon, actually the same parts of your brain activate as if you are running a marathon. Which is amazing and doesn't mean that you should read books on exercises instead of going to the gym, because your muscles don't activate, just your brain activates. And they say that even longevity goes up if you read long form text. The point of this research is that reading is actually very engaging activity. So not only do you get new ideas, but you also get new experiences. Something which doesn't happen when you listen to an audiobook or watch a TED talk.