1. Reading is an active mental process
Unlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter.
2. It is a fundamental skill builder
Everyone needs books to help explain stuff. They help clarify difficult subjects and provide information that goes beyond classroom discussion.
3. Improves your vocabulary
We all know reading expands your vocabulary of words, just like how teachers in primary school told you to read more to improve your English.
4. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places
Reading about a place is the next best thing to going there yourself. No money to travel? Then borrow a book.
5. Improves concentration and focus
Reading can be exercise for the brain. It also allows you to take your mind off other things for just a moment.
6. Builds self-esteem
Becoming an expert in a topic you've been reading up about makes you feel good, especially when this makes others sit up and take notice when you speak.
7. Improves memory
Reading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way, requiring you to remember details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters.
8. The book is usually better than the movie
More often than not, a book provides more colour and detail than a two and half-hour visual feast can.
9. Learn anywhere
Books are portable. You can take them almost anywhere. As such, you can learn almost anywhere too.
10. Improves creativity
Reading books exposes yourself to new and more complete information, you will also be able to come up with more creative ideas.
11. Gives you something to talk about
Have you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, wife or husband? This can be uncomfortable. Reading gives you topics to discuss, plots to share, etc. The possibilities are endless.
12. Books are inexpensive entertainment
Visit your neighbourhood libraries to get hours of entertainment, for free. Compared to the price of a movie ticket these days, it's a steal.
13. You can learn at your own pace
There are no teachers hanging over your head, no classes to rush to. You can read and learn on the bus, train, basically anywhere.
14. New mental associations
Reading expands your depth and breadth of knowledge and your ability to form new associations you never knew existed.
15. Improves your reasoning skills
Books for professionals contain arguments for or against the actions. Seeing both sides of the argument will improve your ability to dissect an issue and form an unbiased opinion.
16. Builds your expertise
Canadian self-help author Brian Tracy has said one way to become an expert in your chosen field is to read 100 books on the subject. He also said by continuing the same for 5 years you’ll become an international expert. With the Internet and blogs, you could hone that time down to 2-3 years if you follow through.
17. Saves money
Apart from saving money on entertainment, reading allows you to learn from others' sometimes painful (and expensive) mistakes. As the saying goes, hindsight is always 60/60.
18. Decreases mistakes
See point 17. With the wisdom that books can provide, you are less likely to make mistakes.
19. You'll discover surprises
Books can surprise you with information you never knew. It's nice when something can make you open your eyes in wonder, and fill you with excitement that you can't wait to share that knowledge with someone else.
20. Decreased boredom
Nothing to do on the train? Read. Waiting for a bus? Read. Twiddling your thumbs while waiting for your date? Ditto. Enough said.
21. Can change your life
Information learnt from books can be useful, some pleasantly surprising. Some information can be so impactful that they may change how you view the world, forever. It's no wonder so many people hold their favourite books dear to their heart.
22. Can help break a slump
If you're a writer, it's called writer's block. Books can be a brilliant source of inspiration to lift you out of that slump! Just as long as you pick the right book.
23. Reduces stress
Many avid readers unwind by reading. If all it does for you is put you to sleep at the end of a stressful day, well, that works too.
24. Gets you away from digital distractions
Books are good form of 'traditional' entertainment. Sometimes, nothing beats getting away from the computer or your mobile, and curling up in bed with a good book in hand.
25. You can make more money
Reading can increase your expertise in an area, and lead to better pay and opportunities. As they say, knowledge is power.
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