Literature is Bringing Sexy Back
Looks aren’t everything — books are! Watch your intellectual attractiveness gradually pronounce itself one book at a time.
Let’s be clear, literature has always been sexy. Have you had a moment where your interest was piqued in someone while they were reading a book in public? Or you’ve found yourself mesmerized by a bookshelf or in-home collection? How about the way you intently listen to someone speak in-depth about their favorite book? This is a form of intellectual attraction.
Anyone who identifies as sapiosexual (a person who finds intelligence sexually attractive or arousing) may be aware of their intellectual attraction in real-time, but if you relate to any of the aforementioned examples, you’re not new to the attraction either. Nor is there a newness in the link between literature and sex appeal. With personal fantasies and the adult film industry’s portrayal of the “sexy librarian”, “naughty student”, or “seductive nerd”, the desire has always been present. But we’re here to talk about intellectual attraction, not speak on the topic of sexual objectification. I’m taking time to show appreciation for building a relationship with your mind, then someone else’s mind, and the appeal centered specifically around that.
Books have always been a form of connecting with others, which is why I appreciate the growth of reader communities across digital platforms. Being among a community that respects literature and reflects openly with one another has carved out a space for the modern reader. There’s a consistent display of showing off current reads, and who is reading them where, enforcing the narrative that reading looks as good as it feels for the brain. Once you find your people in this bookish digital sphere, they’re always pouring into you through support, compliments, and astute discourse for all genres.
Intellect in literary spaces is not restricted to non-fiction work, and sex appeal is not based on how much smut you read. Reading with an eclectic approach has introduced me to new characters and readers, ultimately leading to a more developed sense of self. Understanding yourself amid a constant evolution allows your mind to process what you’re reading and take that information to conduct a self-analysis (whether alone or with a community). In this way, literature is bringing sexy back by developing your sense of self with each book you finish. Granted reading isn’t the only hobby to utilize as a tool to allow your intellectual attractiveness to flourish, but it’s one that I’m personally determined to get everyone on board with.
SZA reading and poledancing as seen in her Good Days music video on Billboard.
As reading becomes habitual, consider its significance in the life cycle of intellectual attraction. How each book is a pillar for your mind and a stepping stone in relationship building with intellect at the forefront. Once you get this down - you’ll be on the path to Good Days full of intellectual arousal like SZA!
(If you’re still working towards incorporating reading into your life I’ve previously shared a few tips to help you Start Reading for Leisure.)