We live in an era dominated by small screens and instant connectivity. With access to endless content at online and at fingertips, it’s natural to wonder: Are books still necessary? Do we really need hard copy or digital books when we have countless forms of media competing for our attention?

The answer is an unequivocal yes. Books remain an essential pillar of intellectual development and personal growth, offering unique benefits that no other medium can replicate.

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King

Books Transport You Beyond Your Reality

Books are unparalleled vehicles for transporting you to new places and offering beautiful experiences. Fiction excels at this. Within the pages of novel or story, you can traverse ancient battlefields, explore distant galaxies, or wander through bustling foreign cities—all from your bedroom.

These are immersive encounters that fundamentally broaden your worldview. Every page ignites your imagination, lighting up neural pathways as your mind processes vivid new worlds and scenarios that stretch far beyond your daily experience.

Books Connect You to Great Minds

Reading allows you to learn from the perspectives of people you’ve never met and may never encounter. You gain intimate access to the minds of historical figures, visionaries, and the great thinkers of our time. This creates a profound sense of connection that extends far beyond your immediate circle. It links you to the collective wisdom of humanity across cultures and centuries. I recently finished a book titled “The Black Star”. It was about C.K Gyamfi. It was humbling to read the thoughts of this football titan.

Books Actively Build Your Mind

Beyond expanding horizons, books serve as powerful tools for self-improvement. They actively strengthen your vocabulary and communication skills. Particularly during formative years, reading introduces you to a rich tapestry of language that enhances every aspect of your expression. A well-developed vocabulary becomes an invaluable asset in professional settings, personal relationships, and creative endeavors. If you are not already doing this, start gifting a book to your child very often. Your child’s future self would thank you for this.

Books Provide Sacred Space for Deep Thinking

In our hyperconnected world, books offer something increasingly rare: a refuge for genuine reflection. The deliberate act of reading encourages you to slow down, fully absorb information, and carefully process complex ideas. This dedicated space for contemplation nurtures self-awareness, sharpens critical thinking skills, and deepens your understanding of your own values and beliefs.

The next time you instinctively reach for your tablet or phone, pause and consider picking up a book instead. Whether it’s a classic novel gathering dust on your shelf, a biography of someone who inspires you, or a digital book on Kindle, make the conscious choice to engage with longer-form content.

Start small

Commit to reading for just 15 minutes before bed, during your lunch break, or while commuting. Join a local book club or start a reading challenge with friends. Visit your library and rediscover the joy of browsing physical books.

Books offer a timeless pathway to a more knowledgeable, empathetic, and deeply fulfilling life. In a world of endless distractions, they remain one of our most powerful tools for growth, understanding, and genuine human connection.

The question isn’t whether you have time to read—it’s whether you can afford not to.

Until next time, happy reading!