Don't judge a book by its cover

A prominent proverb preaches not to judge books by their covers. The meaning of the saying is essentially clear: we should not judge reality by considering only visual impressions, and in the context of people only closer acquaintance with them guarantees us a correct judgement. But what if the proverb was taken literally?

The organisers of the Blind Book event from the University of Economics, in cooperation with WOMAI Krakow, did just that. The final event took place from December 11-15. The aim of the action was to collect as many books as possible, which would then be beautifully wrapped in grey paper and labelled with various slogans, and would be given to a new owner. You could talk to blind guides from WOMAI about how they read books, and try your hand at an obstacle course with a white cane. The participants of the finale faced quite a challenge: they had to choose a book for themselves, based only on a few related words. All the money raised from the sale of books will be donated to the Nationwide Foundation NaszeZoo.pl. This beautiful action was also intended to put old books back into circulation, but which have not lost their value over the years.

The action fits perfectly into the canons of activities of the WOMAI the Center of Science and Senses. After all, blind people won't judge the proverbial book by its cover, they don't even have that possibility! In their judgments they rely only on the perception of the world provided by their other senses. They don't understand the concept of colours, for them it's just a name they can remember through learned associations, just like blue sky or green grass. However, they don't know what specifically differentiates a blue sweater from a green sweater. And how do they dream? Do they begin to see images in their dreams, or do they also experience dreams through other senses? At the exhibition , "Into the darkness" at the WOMAI Center, blind guides answer every question of visitors, bringing their perception of the world closer.

Heartfelt thanks are due to the organizers of the event, i.e. the Independent Students' Union of the Cracow University of Economics NZS UEK.