Voice! – is the room for invited writers only. The topic is the value of reading and the consequences of not reading. While the discussion will take all possible perspectives, including individual, societal, and human, the aspects may be historical, philosophical, educational, technological, psychological, scientific, ethical etc. But a discussion posted in Voice will not be allowed to make any political standing at all.

Reading is all good!

Invited Voice/

Robert Mansson

Strategy & Marketing at Readzit

Readzit was founded on a simple but unsettling realization: we all read less and less. This article reflects on what that means and the far-reaching consequences when stop to read!

Reading is all good!

Reading strengthens critical thinking, fuels imagination, and weaves together the cultural fabric that connects generations. It gives us the mental energy to understand complex ideas, solve real problems, and enable us to imagine entirely new worlds. A society with people that keeps reading always grow wiser, get more creative, and more connected.

Reading Builds Critical Thinking

Reading trains the mind to evaluate, question, and analyze. The more we read, the sharper these skills become. A society that reads regularly becomes more resilient against misinformation and fake news, because its citizens know how to weigh sources, challenge assumptions, and search for truth.

Where reading flourishes, thoughtful arguments do too, whether it’s at work, in politics, or in the classroom. Books and journalism expand vocabulary, strengthen focus, and reward patience. These skills translate into thoughtful dialogue and creative problem-solving.

When people engage in reading, they learn to follow a chain of thought from beginning to end. Complex ideas become a pleasure, not a burden. Public conversation grows richer, moving beyond slogans and memes into nuanced perspectives, investigative reporting, and long-form storytelling that help us understand the world in depth.

Reading takes us from Empathy to Connection

Books and stories immerse us in experiences far from our own. Through reading, empathy flourishes. We see others not as stereotypes but as complex human beings with dreams, doubts, and histories.

Newspapers and magazines connect us to the wider world, giving us context, insight, and a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves. Reading widens awareness. It invites curiosity and compassion across borders and cultures.

This habit nurtures understanding between nations, religions, and communities. It fuels the emotional intelligence needed for diplomacy, reconciliation, and peace. A society that reads is one that listens, open to dialogue, to difference, and to shared growth.

Reading as an Engine of Economic Growth

Economies built on readers are economies built on innovation. Reading develops the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that drive progress. It empowers individuals to learn independently, adapt quickly, and imagine better solutions.

Companies thrive when their people read, because readers think in systems, not silos. Productivity increases, innovation accelerates, and creative ideas multiply. Nations that invest in literacy gain a powerful competitive edge, becoming magnets for research, invention, and entrepreneurship.

Reading ensure that populations will grow up with the mental energy to process even complex ideas.

Reading and Its Rewards on Society:

A more capable workforce with strong problem-solving and communication skills
A competitive yet balanced labor market with fair opportunities for all
Higher employment in knowledge-driven sectors
Equitable wages for skilled workers
Increased innovation, with more patents, startups, and new ideas
Creates a society where education fuels opportunity, narrowing gaps while sustaining progress

A society that reads not only builds a future of opportunity, growth, and achievement, but also nurtures generations equipped with the skills, insight, and curiosity needed to thrive in a complex world.

Safeguard for Informed, Resilient Society

When people have access to books, journalism, history, and well-researched information, society becomes more resilient against manipulation and fake news. Citizens learn to question fear-driven narratives and half-truths, making it harder for authoritarian voices to dominate public discourse. Democracy strengthens when its members think independently and critically.

Reading keeps accountability alive. Leaders are held responsible, public debate is informed, and communities engage thoughtfully. A society that values reading cultivates citizens who seek knowledge, challenge assumptions, and act with insight rather than impulse.

Reading Enriches culture by Knowledge

When reading is embraced, culture gains depth, meaning, and connection. Books, history, philosophy, and well-researched ideas provide the roots that give art and entertainment substance. Creative works inspire thought, provoke discussion, and challenge society, rather than merely distract.

A culture nourished by reading engages with the past, explores ethical questions, and celebrates ideas that endure. Trends come and go, but knowledge grounds creativity, ensuring that civilization grows stronger rather than slowly decaying.

Reading Builds Global Connection

When reading thrives globally, societies grow more equitable, connected, and capable. Access to books, journalism, and knowledge empowers nations to advance in science, economics, and governance together, reducing dangerous gaps and fostering collaboration on the global stage.

A culture that values reading ensures that opportunity is based on knowledge and engagement rather than mere wealth. Citizens who read deeply can participate fully in modern life, take on decision-making roles, and contribute to innovation, creating a more balanced and inclusive world.

Reading Must Thrive: The Choice Is Ours

Reading has declined dramatically over the last decades, but the future is still in our hands.

Reading will survive if only individuals commit to keeping it alive and if media, publishers, educators, and society create real incentives and easy access to diverse, engaging texts and stories. Starting with accessible content is essential. It sparks curiosity and drives readers to explore wider and deeper subjects while learning to think critically and draw their own conclusions. This gradual growth is vital for developing focused and sustained reading habits. Whether in print, on screens, or through digital platforms, the key is to build environments that encourage deep attention and meaningful engagement. Both individual dedication and collective action are necessary to safeguard the skills and wisdom upon which our future depends.

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