In a world of notifications and shallow engagement, deep reading remains humanity’s best defence against intellectual and moral decline. We must encourage our children and youth to develop a love for reading, which is essential for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Prof Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi
The importance of reading and sustained study has been acknowledged across civilisations as the foundation of human consciousness, intellectual maturity, and social progress. The assertion that “without reading, no human being can become truly conscious” captures a universal truth: awareness, depth of thought, and moral discernment do not arise spontaneously but are cultivated through continuous engagement with ideas, texts, and knowledge traditions.
A recent discussion held at the Global Book Fair 2026, organised under the auspices of a language and literary promotion council, focused precisely on this timeless theme—the significance of reading in the contemporary world. Scholars participating in the dialogue emphasised that reading is not merely an academic exercise but a lifelong process that shapes personality, sharpens judgment, and nurtures intellectual independence. Their reflections resonate deeply with the views consistently maintained by philosophers, scientists, and writers throughout history.
Reading is the gateway to intellectual expansion. Through books, the human mind transcends its immediate environment and encounters diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. The philosopher Socrates famously emphasised self-knowledge as the beginning of wisdom, and reading serves as one of the most effective tools for such introspection. Books compel readers to question assumptions, reflect on values, and engage critically with the world around them.
In an age dominated by digital technology, it is often argued that time constraints and information overload have reduced the relevance of traditional reading. Yet paradoxically, access to books has never been easier. Digital libraries, e-books, and online archives have removed barriers that once limited access to knowledge. As Francis Bacon observed centuries ago, “Reading makes a full man.” The medium may change, but the essence of reading—deep, reflective engagement with ideas—remains indispensable.
The decline of habitual reading in domestic spaces has been widely noted. In earlier times, homes commonly displayed newspapers, journals, and books, naturally cultivating a culture of reading. This observation aligns with the educational philosophy of John Dewey, who argued that learning is deeply influenced by one’s environment. When books are visible and accessible, curiosity develops organically. Conversely, when reading disappears from daily life, intellectual stagnation often follows.
There is no true substitute for books. While audio-visual media may inform or entertain, reading uniquely trains the mind to concentrate, analyse, and synthesise information. The act of revisiting a text, marking key ideas, and reflecting on arguments strengthens comprehension and memory. Arthur Schopenhauer cautioned that superficial consumption of information weakens independent thinking, noting that excessive passive intake prevents the mind from developing its own ideas.
Modern technology, particularly mobile devices, has undeniably altered attention patterns, especially among younger generations. Notifications and rapid content consumption often fragment focus. Yet even in this context, the relevance of books has not diminished. On the contrary, books now serve as anchors of depth in a sea of distraction. Nicholas Carr, a contemporary thinker on technology and cognition, argues that sustained reading rewires the brain for deeper thought, something fragmented digital engagement cannot achieve.
Reading also plays a crucial role in building confidence and intellectual maturity. The more one reads, the more articulate and self-assured one becomes. This insight echoes the views of Bertrand Russell, who believed that education should cultivate critical thinking rather than passive acceptance. A well-read individual is better equipped to evaluate arguments, resist manipulation, and engage constructively with differing viewpoints.
From a scientific perspective, reading has been central to human progress. Albert Einstein credited his intellectual development not merely to formal schooling but to independent reading and imagination. He once remarked that imagination, fueled by reading, is more important than knowledge itself, because it enables innovation. Likewise, Isaac Newton’s acknowledgement of standing “on the shoulders of giants” underscores how intellectual advancement depends on engaging with the accumulated knowledge preserved in books.
Literature, too, affirms the transformative power of reading. George Orwell viewed books as instruments of intellectual freedom, while Virginia Woolf described reading as a means of entering the minds of others, expanding empathy and emotional intelligence. Maxim Gorky aptly stated that books teach us to respect human beings, reminding us that reading refines not only intellect but also character.
A society that neglects reading risks producing individuals who are informed but not wise, connected but not reflective. Confucius warned that learning without reflection is labour lost, and reflection without learning is dangerous. Reading provides the raw material for reflection, without which meaningful thought cannot emerge.
The collective consensus of scholars at the discussion was clear: without promoting a culture of reading, the formation of a healthy, conscious, and responsible society is impossible. Books are not relics of the past; they are living companions that guide humanity through change. Connecting new generations with books is therefore not merely an educational task but a civilizational responsibility.
In conclusion, reading remains one of the most powerful acts of human self-development. It cultivates consciousness, strengthens judgment, and deepens understanding. Amid rapid technological change, the quiet discipline of reading continues to shape thinkers, innovators, and humane individuals. As history repeatedly demonstrates, civilisations rise with books and decline when they abandon them.
—Dr Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi (also known as Dr Hamidullah Marazi) is a distinguished contemporary Islamic scholar whose work significantly contributes to the dialogue between Islamic philosophy and modern Western thought. He is the author of several books. Through a rigorous comparative methodology and an emphasis on epistemological integrity grounded in Tawhid (the oneness of God), Marazi critiques secular paradigms and advocates for an integrative intellectual tradition. His scholarship not only critiques Western thought but also calls for mutual enrichment between traditions, emphasising Islamic metaphysics, ethics, and educational reform as central to contemporary challenges.
ha*********@***il.com