Introduction: Why Reading Matters
Read widely, listen carefully, and think deeply to learn new things. If you go a day without reading, you miss a chance to grow. But if you make reading a daily habit, you keep building your knowledge and sharpening your mind, since there’s always something new to discover.
No matter who you are, try not to stay quiet or passive. Make reading and listening a habit. After you take in new information, spend some time thinking about it. If you do this often, you’ll become wiser over time.
Building Knowledge Through Daily Reading
If you are working on something and you read books related to that field, it will give you even greater clarity about your work. As a result, good outcomes are more likely, and you’ll find more joy and satisfaction in what you do.
It’s common for people to make excuses about reading. Some say they don’t have time or are too busy. But in reality, you can always find a few moments to read, even if they’re short.
A Lesson from the Old Man by the River
Every weekend, around four or five in the evening, I usually go for exercise at a public park along the Sangke River. One day, I noticed an elderly man, probably around 75 or 80 years old. I asked him:
“Hello, grandfather! Can you still read the words in that book clearly?”
He replied, “Sometimes clearly, sometimes not—but I try to read anyway.”
I asked again, “Why do you enjoy reading philosophy books like this? Were you a teacher?”
He answered, “No, I wasn’t a teacher. I love reading this kind of book. Remember this—no one is ever too old to learn, and no one ever finishes learning everything. Studying new things is how we develop ourselves and our society.”
This simple conversation was a reminder that learning never ends, no matter how old you are.
Reading Habits in Japan: A Culture of Continuous Learning
Last year, I participated in a cultural exchange program in Japan called ‘Exchange Cultural.‘ As I traveled across cities, I was struck by how common it was to see people reading—on trains, in coffee shops, and during quiet moments in parks. It reminded me that learning doesn’t require big blocks of time; even small moments can become growth opportunities.
This proves you can read anywhere and at any time.
Think about it: if your commute takes 15 or 30 minutes, and the same amount of time on the way back, that’s plenty of time to read a book. Not only is it a productive use of time, but it also helps you gain more knowledge.
At home, instead of sitting around, you can pick up a book you like. Even if you have just 10 or 15 minutes in the restroom, you can read something useful. If you’re bored, a funny book can lift your mood and help you feel better.
Also Read: The Power of Self-Confidence: Why Believing in Yourself Leads to Success
How Reading Strengthens Leadership and Personal Growth
Leaders and managers who value progress should understand that reading is how you store knowledge within yourself. The more you read, the more you know. If you don’t read, you remain stuck with only old knowledge, without new ideas, without progress, and even risk losing the abilities you already have.
It’s like a knife: no matter how sharp, if it’s never used, it will eventually rust and become useless. But if you read every day, you’ll keep gaining knowledge, and much of it can be applied directly in your daily life.
I once read a book about leadership, which stated:
“There is no greater victory than conquering yourself—your anger, your recklessness, and your greed. If you cannot overcome these, they will lead you to failure.”
Later, when I faced challenges in my company, I recalled what I had read and applied it immediately. That lesson strengthened my confidence in leadership and management. At that moment, I felt grateful for the book because it had provided me with practical value right when I needed it.
The Value Hidden in Every Book
Always remember: the books you read are filled with carefully selected knowledge, ideas, and methods gathered by experienced authors—many of whom are experts in their fields. Some have even applied this knowledge directly in business or teaching. That is why books are regarded as one of the most valuable forms of knowledge, passed down from generation to generation without end.
Sometimes, even a single sentence in a book can hold immeasurable value, providing insights you can apply widely in your career.
Conclusion: Never Stop Reading
So read books—it is never a mistake. The more you read, the more you will improve the quality of your life and expand your knowledge, helping you understand the world around you more clearly.
If you don’t read, you risk becoming stagnant, without growth or progress. And if your life doesn’t grow—how can it truly flourish?
What book are you currently reading? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to build the habit of lifelong learning!
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