In the article from The New York Times, David Leonhardt reflects on the joy and significance of reading aloud, drawing on the whimsical nature of the "Harvard Sentences." These sentences are designed for their phonetic balance, meant to test speech recognition technology rather than convey deep meaning. Leonhardt finds poetry in their delivery, acknowledging that reading aloud fosters a unique connection between readers and listeners, allowing for co-discovery and intimacy. He encourages people to engage in this practice, whether through audiobooks, personal exchanges, or public readings, as a way to revitalize the shared experience of storytelling that is often lost in solitary reading.

Key Points:

• Harvard Sentences were created to test speech recognition technology based on phonetic balance.
• Reading aloud can evoke emotional responses and connections, akin to poetry.
• The intimate act of reading aloud allows for interpretation and co-discovery between readers and listeners.
• There are various modern formats for being read to, including audiobooks and recorded readings.
• Engaging in the practice of reading aloud can enhance personal relationships and provide a cozy, shared experience.
• Leonhardt underscores a intrinsic human desire to be read to, which continues through adulthood.
  Link to Article