It’s never too late, does not really apply in all walks of life. There are exceptions, one of which is reading. Yes. Had I obeyed my father years ago and taken reading seriously, I wouldn’t be struggling now. I wouldn’t be missing on the advantages of reading all these years.

The other day I ordered books worth Rs. 600, just because Amazon promises free delivery on goods purchased above Rs.500 (I know it’s crazy of me). Every day I hardly get 40 minutes to read in the bus while I am heading to the office.

In fact, that’s the only motivation which keeps me on my toes every morning.

Eat. Sleep. Read Repeat.

Like a hungry hawk, I settle down quickly in the window seat and start reading without wasting any time. At times, I only look up when the bus stops at my office gate and people start moving out.

Now that I have realized the benefits of reading, I think I should read two books at a time. One to be of short stories and another to be a novel, in that way I wouldn’t mess up with the stories and characters. The thought which keeps me worrying is will I ever reach (leave crossing) my friend’s number (3000 +). I am still trying to believe that he has read 3000+ books and is just 24.

Lately, as I read more and more books, I make a mental note of the advantages of reading. And here are three astonishing advantages of reading that I discovered.

1. Reading is like breathing knowledge.

Believe me, you never know which book can give you some wonderous story or a piece of brilliant information. Each book in this world is unique. Every other book has something to give.

It is we who have to make an effort and grasp the knowledge each book offers. I strongly believe in buying books and treasuring them in my bookshelf, for this is the real treasure I’ll be inheriting to my next generation.

Yesterday, I happened to read the book The One Minute Apology. To my surprise, apart from the central idea of the book, I got to read many unheard stories of some of the great personalities and discovered this advantage of reading.

One of the stories said that Alfred Nobel – best known for the Peace Prize was involved with the invention of dynamite.  When Nobel’s brother died, Alfred got a copy of the local newspaper and discovered that they had somehow mixed up the two brothers.

As a result, Alfred Nobel had the very unique experience of reading his own obituary. Can you imagine what that must have felt like?

The central message of his obituary was about his involvement with dynamite. Nobel was devastated to think that he would be remembered only for destruction. And hence, he redesigned his life so he would be especially remembered for honoring the pursuit of world peace.

Wasn’t this a unique and unheard story?

Likewise, you never know which book will have such interesting hidden stories until you yourself read them.

2. The sense of gratification.

As I mentioned earlier, I mostly read in the office bus or while I travel. The other day, I read a page and closed the book reminiscing the words that were just sinking in.

I saw nobody around me was reading. Suddenly, a feeling of pride ran through my body and I smiled. At the same time, I felt sorry for the people around. Few were busy arguing over the phone with someone, few were fast asleep and the others ran their thumbs through their smartphones.

I think each and every book in this world is meant to tell us something. I think no youtube video or TV show can share as much knowledge as a book can do.

Not all addictions are healthy. But yes, one who is addicted to books is wealthy all his life.

3. Reading Teaches Us To Be Humble.

Just the next day I witnessed a boy reading the book – Tuesday’s with Morrie. I was glad to see him read.  Yesterday, yet another girl was reading an ebook on her phone or probably some article on the internet. Now we were three people reading in the bus.

One of the many advantages of reading books is, they teach us to be humble. Have you ever seen a well-read man being arrogant?

I was overwhelmed to have reading partners in the bus. The newly created vibe urged me to read more gracefully.

Books not only tell us stories but also give us chance to experience diversified lives of the characters that dwell inside. That’s what makes us humble.

 

Whichever book you pick up to read today, I’m sure you’ll experience at least one the above advantages of reading. Read anything you wish to. It may be a newspaper, a fiction or a non-fiction book, a magazine or even a dictionary.

For starters, the genre does not matter. What matters is, you holding a book and entering into a new world where you find your inspiration and evolve like a star shining brightly in the sky.

So what are you waiting for? Get going and grab a book right away. Do let me know how it felt to have read a book in the comment section below.

 

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