Why Reading Books Still Matters: The Quiet Power of Books in a Noisy World
In today’s digital age, information is everywhere—scrolling feeds, short-form videos, podcasts, and YouTube summaries. It’s easier than ever to access knowledge in a matter of seconds. And while platforms like social media and YouTube can be beneficial, there’s something deeply irreplaceable about reading books.
Reading, to me, is more than just a habit. It’s a practice, a portal, a mirror, and a compass. It’s one of the quietest yet most profound tools for personal growth. As someone who has spent years reading across genres—from health and wellness to ancient wisdom, finance, psychology, personal growth, and strategy—I can confidently say that books shape how I think, how I live, and how I lead.
Let me tell you why.
The Temptation of Fast Content
There’s no denying it—modern content is compelling. A single swipe delivers a punchy insight, a motivational reel, or a summarized life hack. But with the convenience of these formats comes a quiet compromise: depth.
Most of the content online today is not peer-reviewed or deeply researched. It’s fast, often recycled, and designed to deliver quick dopamine hits and catch attention. While I appreciate a good podcast episode or a thought-provoking video, I know it’s not the same as diving into a carefully crafted book that took years—sometimes decades—to write.
Books invite you into sustained thought. They ask for your presence. And in return, they transform you.
My Personal Reading Journey
I began my serious reading journey in my childhood but really expanded my library in my late twenties. Some of the first books that truly impacted me were classics in the fields of personal growth and finance. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki fundamentally changed how I think about money, wealth, and the distinction between assets and liabilities. This book is a must-read for every entrepreneur.
Later, The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy showed me how small, consistent actions could lead to remarkable results. It wasn’t just motivational—it was methodical. That book shaped many of the habits I practice in my daily life today. Initially, I thought it was more of a finance book, but basically, everything compounds in our life.
Then came books like The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. That one was complex, layered, and sometimes controversial—but it offered historical insights, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of human behavior. I didn’t always agree with every law, as they seemed manipulative to me, and that is not my style. However, the mental stimulation and analytical growth it triggered were undeniable, and I appreciate the knowledge I gained in understanding others’ perspectives.
Each of these books, and the countless others I read, became a mentor in its own right.
Successful People Who Prioritize Reading
Reading is not just a personal value—it’s a shared practice among some of the world’s most successful minds.
Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest and most influential individuals of our time, famously reads about 50 books a year. He doesn’t just skim—he reads deeply, often writes notes in the margins, and publishes thoughtful book reviews. He’s called reading his “favorite way to learn about a new topic.”
Warren Buffett, known as one of the best and most successful investors in history, reportedly spends up to 80% of his day reading. When asked how to get smarter, he said, holding books, “Read 500 pages of books every day to increase your knowledge. It will build up, like compound interest, which is how he built his wealth.”
Charlie Munger, Buffett’s long-time business partner, was equally emphatic. He once said, “In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time—none, zero.”
Elon Musk, arguably one of the most fascinating innovators of our time, has stated in multiple interviews that he actually “learned to build rockets by reading books.” He famously stated, “I think you can learn whatever you need to learn. Mostly, you can just read books.” He went so far as to say that in today’s world, books can give you a better education than a university—if you have the discipline.
To me, Musk is the modern-day Leonardo da Vinci—a genius thinker who fuses science, engineering, design, and visionary thinking. The fact that someone of his intellectual caliber credits books so deeply only reinforces what many of us instinctively know: reading is one of the fastest paths to mastery.
Barack Obama, known for his eloquence and depth, has frequently spoken about how books helped him make sense of the world—especially during challenging periods of his presidency. His annual book lists are widely followed, not just because of their variety but because they reflect a mind shaped by reflection, storytelling, and history.
Mark Cuban, a billionaire entrepreneur and investor, has stated that he reads for three hours every day. He credits reading as his competitive advantage and says, “I read every book and magazine I could. Heck, three bucks for a book and $20 in late fees is the best deal I ever got.”
These examples are not accidental. They reflect a profound truth: great leaders are often great readers.
Books Are Written by Masters
One of the most underrated aspects of reading is this: when you read a book, you’re learning directly from someone who has often spent their entire career—sometimes their whole life—studying one specific topic.
That level of mastery simply doesn’t translate the same way in a 2-minute video or a tweet thread.
Books condense lifetimes of wisdom into a few hundred pages. They’re structured, intentional, and crafted with care. They’re not trying to go viral—they’re trying to make a lasting impact. That’s what makes them timeless.
Books like Think and Grow Rich, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, and Atomic Habits don’t just convey information; they provide a framework for transformation. And those frameworks stay with you for years.
Reading Shapes Your Mind—and Your Vocabulary
Beyond knowledge, reading shapes our thinking. It teaches you critical thinking, logic, and empathy. It stretches your attention span, challenges your biases, and sharpens your vocabulary.
When I read, I often find myself pausing—not to distract myself, but to reflect on what I’ve read. A single sentence can inspire a breakthrough thought. A paragraph can make me reconsider a belief I’ve held for years.
Books also enhance our ability to articulate ourselves effectively. If you want to become a better communicator, reader, or writer—read. Reading helps you internalize sentence structure, flow, and clarity. Reading enables you to articulate your point of view to others constructively and productively. You don’t just learn new words; you know how to think with precision.
Reading Is Imaginative, Not Passive
One of my favorite things about reading is that it engages the imagination.
Unlike videos, which deliver every visual cue and emotional expression for you, books ask you to co-create the experience as you read and reflect. When you read, your mind constructs scenes, imagines voices, and visualizes emotions. You become an active participant, not a passive consumer. That’s why they say, “Read if you want to time travel.”
This imaginative engagement enhances creativity. It helps you think in metaphors, draw connections between ideas, and dream in dimensions that screens simply can’t replicate.
Books Take You to Different Time Zones—and Teach You to Pause
Reading also teaches patience in a world of urgency.
I often compare reading to time travel. When I read about Ayurveda, which means the Science of Life, I’m transported to ancient India, where yoga, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle were created and documented. When I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, I’m reminded to stay anchored in the present.
Books allow you to step into other eras, other minds, and other worlds. They give you perspective—something that’s increasingly rare in a content-saturated world.
And most importantly, they allow you to slow down. Reading is one of the few activities that doesn’t ask you to multitask. It rewards focus, presence, and stillness.
Why I Still Read Regularly
In the chaos of digital life, reading is my anchor. It grounds me. It helps me unplug from distraction and plug into purpose.
Books like The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up help me edit my life down to what really matters in a meaningful way. Ikigai, by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, helped me find my purpose and build a purpose-driven, meaningful media company that is soul-nourishing. And The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success? That one taught me to define success beyond the material and the meaning of Luck—and I still revisit it often.
Reading has helped me build my business, manage my health, navigate relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of myself. It’s not just a lifestyle—it’s a leadership tool.
Don’t Underestimate the Book
In a world that often values speed over depth and loudness over wisdom, reading is a quiet rebellion. It’s how we reconnect with ourselves. It’s how we access the minds of masters across time and space. It’s how we grow.
So, while I’ll continue to enjoy high-quality podcasts, online courses, YouTube insights, and bite-sized wisdom on social media, nothing will ever replace the power of a well-written book.
Reading nourishes our intellect, our creativity, our vocabulary, and—most importantly—our soul.
If you’re just getting started, start with the books I’ve mentioned; these are books I recommend to everyone—classics. And if you’re already an avid reader, let this be your reminder: pick up your next book. Let it challenge you. Let it change you.
Because books don’t just inform. They transform.
Books From My Personal Library
If you’re looking to begin or expand your reading journey, here are some of the books that have truly impacted my thinking, habits, and way of life. These are not just bestsellers—they’re books I’ve personally read, highlighted, revisited, and recommended over the years.
You can explore samples or purchase these titles through the Amazon links below.
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – This book taught me how businesses and money works.
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy – This book taught me that everything compounds in our life, not just money.
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – This book taught me how the world works.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – This book taught me the power of habits and made me hyper-productive.
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – This book taught me the power of personal growth.
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – This book taught me that the past brings stress and the future brings anxiety, but being in the moment is how you manage your emotions—because now is the only reality.
- Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles – This book led me to my life purpose of creating a meaningful, purpose-driven media company.
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo – This book taught me that everything we own has the power to affect us in positive and negative way.
- The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra – This book taught me the true meaning of luck and how to create my own.
I hope these books support your journey on a deeper level and lead you toward lasting personal growth.
