Reactions to last week’s newsletter were even more heartwarming than those of the penultimate week. Thank you for staying the course. In that edition, I solicited opinions on how to instill reading habits in our children, and I received quite a few. However, I seek your indulgence to delay that conversation while we look at something more critical this week. It is about why we read at all!

Two of the respondents wondered why I keep hammering on reading when it does not “put food on the table.” They did not say they were too busy to read, or that any of the other challenges discussed affected them; they both do not just see the big deal about reading. One of them, in fact, said that aside from reading to pass examinations, he had never read an entire pamphlet in his life!

That shocked me! This person is a flamboyant player in Nigeria’s political landscape, so I couldn’t help but juxtapose their disdain for reading with the quality of leadership in the country. Although some of these guys come to the media to share their grand plans for the country, they are unable to deliver on those promises because their thoughts are unoriginal and based on delegated intellect. But I digress.

The admirable honesty of my friends made me pause and wonder if some people genuinely question why we should read, then maybe it is worth revisiting the “why” behind this conversation. I mean, we were about to discuss how to make children read, but if some people do not even see the point, would they then consider empowering their children to become readers?

So—why must we read?

Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, late American motivational speaker and author, noted to have invested over 50 of the 77 years he lived to helping people improve their lives through reading and life-long learning, once said: “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” I believe him!

Those lines suggest that reading is not just a pastime; it is an investment in the person you are becoming. Put differently, reading is a doorway to transformation, a pathway for growth and self-discovery. Every book you read is like meeting a new mentor, teacher, or friend who has something positive to teach you or something not so beneficial that you must unlearn. It is the gateway to a new you!

If you need more reasons why you should make reading a way of life and influence others, including children, to cultivate a reading habit, here are a few:

Reading Expands Our Minds.

Reading books and other long forms opens you to knowledge you never thought existed. It allows you to engage with worlds, ideas, and perspectives that you may never encounter otherwise. Good reading stretches your mind and thinking, it punctures and challenges your assumptions and prejudices, and sometimes totally reshapes your entire worldview. It makes it possible for you to discuss issues intelligently and turns you into a reservoir of knowledge.

Reading Makes us Empathetic.

Like it or not, empathy is the essence of humanity. When you read, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, especially memoirs, biographies and autobiographies, you flow in the walks and lives of others, and you are taken through a process of what Aristotle calls purgation of emotions or catharsis. You can put yourself in the shoes of these people, see their trials and triumphs, and become more understanding of the vagaries of life. Invariably, reading makes us more compassionate and better human beings!

Reading Sharpens our Communication, Boosts Confidence

I like to describe reading as “a workout for our language skills.” And language is the basis for communication. When you read, you absorb the structure, rhythm and vocabulary of the language unconsciously, thereby growing your word bank. Over time, you will have increased words to express yourself more effectively in writing, speaking, and thinking. Also, because reading requires focus and comprehension, your ability to understand becomes better, and ultimately, your confidence and personal outlook are boosted!

Reading Equips Us for Life and Livelihood

Reading provides us with tools that extend far beyond the pages; it reveals the depths of human nature and helps us understand the motivations, emotions and dimensions of relationships in such a way as to shape our own interactions. It gives you depth and builds your capacity to see issues and situations beyond the surface. Biographies, in particular, expose us to the resilience and determination of their subjects. They further teach us perseverance and courage that can inspire our personal and professional journeys. The insights we gain from reading often resurface at unexpected moments, they guide our choices, shape our thinking, and provide wisdom when we are at our wits’ end.

A combination of these and more benefits of reading is why it is said that readers are leaders. Everyone who aspires to lead any group of people should operate from a foundation of knowledge, effective communication, clarity of thought, empathy and the ability to listen and communicate effectively.

So, considering these critical advantages of reading, perhaps the question should not be, “why must we read?” but rather: “why would we choose not to?”