Why Should You Read Books?
Explore why books are invaluable, the effort authors pour into them, and how reading transforms knowledge into a lifelong treasure.
Finally, you're here! Somewhere in your mind, one part wants to read books, but the other part isn’t too thrilled and keeps questioning: Why should I read books? What are the reasons and benefits? Is spending time with books worth it, and what’s the outcome?
It feels like there are a lot of horses (questions) racing through your mind, all looking for a racetrack (clear answers) to finish the race. Well, welcome to my racetrack, where your horses will run and, hopefully, cross the finish line with clarity!
Reading Books: An Experience, Not Just a Question
The question, "Why should you read books?" isn’t really one to ask—it’s an experience to explore. Books are like an ocean of limitless, valuable knowledge waiting for you to dive in. No matter the genre, nobody will judge you or force you to read. It’s entirely your choice. Decide when you want to read and pick the genre that sparks your curiosity. It’s all up to you.
But if you're still here, hesitant and wanting answers before you take the plunge, let’s give this random guy on the internet a chance to explain.
We’ll tackle this question in two parts. The first part explores why a book is a valuable source of knowledge and what goes on behind the scenes for an author to create one. The second part will highlight the key benefits of reading books. Let’s dive into the first part.
Why Is a Book a Valuable Source of Knowledge?
A "book"—a set of pages where an author pours their knowledge, wisdom, experience, research, and, of course, ink—is more than just paper and words. Everyone says you should read books—or at least the intelligent ones do. But why?
One answer is that every book is unique, and what makes it so is the author. Every author has their own style of writing, word choice, sentence structure, and a relentless passion for reading and writing.
If I asked you to describe an author, you might picture an educated person with glasses, sitting on a wooden chair, writing in a diary at a wooden table—peaceful and composed. But that’s just a photoshoot cliché!
What is an author, really?
An Author: A Curious, Relentless Creature
In my opinion, an author is a restless, curious being. Behind the scenes, before they even write their first line, they delve into deep research and countless drafts. They write and rewrite until they’re satisfied—sometimes picking a single line out of multiple pages.
Authors are fueled by an obsessive curiosity. They imagine how their readers will interpret each word. If a line doesn’t feel perfect, they struggle for hours, months, or even years to refine it.
The Struggle for Perfection: F. Scott FitzgeraldF. Scott Fitzgerald, the literary genius behind The Great Gatsby, epitomized this relentless pursuit of perfection. His closing line,"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,"
is celebrated as one of the greatest in literature.But it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment creation. Fitzgerald agonized over every word, rewriting it countless times to achieve the exact essence he envisioned. His letters to his editor, Max Perkins, reveal his determination to create something unforgettable. For Fitzgerald, writing a good line wasn’t enough—it had to be timeless.
Authors: The Scientists of Imagination
Before penning even the first letter of a book, authors dive into extensive research. This research isn’t just a minor task; it’s the backbone of their craft.
Imagine an author writing about the medieval era. They would study the time period meticulously reading historical articles, books, and accounts to understand the era’s discoveries, tools, language, accents, and culture. These details, which readers often take for granted, require tremendous effort to craft just a single line.
J.R.R. Tolkien is a shining example. As a philologist and professor of Anglo-Saxon, Tolkien spent decades meticulously creating the world of Middle-earth before completing The Lord of The Rings. His profound knowledge of ancient languages, myths, and legends shaped every element of his stories. Drawing heavily from Norse and Celtic mythology and historical epics like Beowulf, Tolkien’s research transformed his books into timeless masterpieces of literature.
What’s Your Opinion on Books Now?
Whether you decide to read books or not is ultimately up to you. But one thing is certain: books are undeniably valuable. They hold the knowledge, imagination, and relentless effort of the authors who create them. So, why not dive into this ocean of wisdom and see where it takes you?
The Key Benefits of Reading a Book
Now we come to our second question: What are the key benefits of reading a book? You may already know that reading is incredibly beneficial, but understanding how it benefits you is the real question. Believe me, the impact of good reading on your behavior and personality cannot be underestimated. Let’s explore some key benefits that you’ll surely notice in your daily life.
Focus
Let me highlight an ultimate benefit—Focus. Even if you learn nothing else from books, this is something you’ll undoubtedly gain. When you start the process called "reading" (yes, we all know it’s called reading, but let me emphasize its significance), focus becomes your most essential tool.
Every line you read demands your attention. If you lose focus, you’ll find yourself re-reading sentences to understand what the author intended. In the beginning, many readers struggle with this. You might notice your mind wandering after a few lines, but as you stick with the process, you’ll gradually master the art of focus. Eventually, this improved focus will extend to other areas of your life. It’s not yoga, but hey—every mindful activity can feel like yoga, right?
Mastery of Words, Sentences, and Phrases
Books refine your language skills. They make your words crisp, your sentences impactful, and your phrases meaningful. If you immerse yourself in the limitless knowledge within books, your communication will naturally improve. Your words and sentences will carry a precision and weight that sets you apart.
But don’t just take my word for it—believe in the masters of the craft. Authors spend years, sometimes decades, drafting, revising, and perfecting their words. When you read their works, you gain access to this treasure trove of expertly crafted language.
Learnings and Morals
Every book teaches you something valuable—whether through stories, carefully constructed phrases, or even challenging words.
- Novels offer lessons through their characters’ experiences.
- Poetry teaches the power of word structure and emotional depth.
- Self-help books hammer your mind with practical advice and transformative ideas.
- Biographies guide you through the life decisions of extraordinary individuals, showing how they overcame challenges—and how you can too.
Learning never stops. The more you read, the more you’ll grow. The extent of your learning is entirely up to you.
A Personal Story
I was never sure about starting a blog or writing for the internet. I wanted to, but doubt held me back. Then, one day, I picked up The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Through the story of Santiago, the main character, I learned to believe in my dreams and pursue them.
Later, I came across The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, and it taught me to stop wasting time and energy on things that don’t matter. Instead, I learned to focus on what’s truly "f*ckworthy." These books inspired me to take the leap and start writing.
How to Pursue
If you’re still unsure about reading books, let me offer this perspective: Don’t see a book as just a set of pages. See it as a chest of treasures waiting to be unlocked. Don’t hesitate—it’s waiting for you to take the first step. In return, it will fill your character with wisdom and value, shaping you into a better version of yourself.
If you will not, then someone will.
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Credits: Images edited using Canva
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Guidance