Lucie van Hooff is a student at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where she is completing a Master’s degree in Applied Cognitive Psychology. She also works with the Rijksmuseum to study how people experience art, and she is especially interested in cognitive psychology and the psychology of language.
What does reading mean to you?
For me, reading is relaxation. I love diving into niche topics, right now I’m reading about sewers (laughs). It’s a way to learn new things, and I really enjoy that. When you read, you also get a glimpse into the writer’s mind. It takes you out of your own world, and I find that fascinating. You can enter another world.
Which book has made an impact on your life?
Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman had a big impact on me. He argues that, in today’s society, talented people often end up doing work that doesn’t really contribute much, like some consultancy jobs and that their talent could be used in a more meaningful way. Many people are aware of big problems but don’t do anything about them. I recognize that in myself too: issues like climate change and poverty matter to me, but good intentions don’t always lead to effective action. What stayed with me most is the idea that individuals can make a difference and that you can start making changes yourself. It made me think more critically about what positive change really means and how to contribute to it in a concrete way.
Would you recommend this book to students – and if not, would you recommend a different one?
Yes, I would definitely recommend it to students. They aren’t fully tied to a career path yet, so they still have the freedom to choose a direction that can have a positive impact. But honestly, I think it’s useful for everyone; it helps you look at society and your own choices more critically. So it is useful for non-students as well.
Match favourite reading moments, referring to a place or a situation.
My favourite time to read is when I’m travelling, especially on the train or bus. When you’re on public transport, you can’t really do much else, so reading becomes the natural choice. At home I get distracted too easily by other things. For my studies, I prefer reading in the library. It’s not necessarily more enjoyable there, but it’s where I’m most productive.