“Not reading is like being in front of a house full of treasure but you don’t have the key.” ~ Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.
I heard this excerpt from renowned writer Ngugi Wa Thiong’o a few years ago as he was being interviewed and it got me thinking. One question that went through my mind was: how many of us after our academic sojourn is over, ever go back to books again not for academic purposes but rather, to gain wisdom ? For many of us, pre-exam revision is the last contact we have with books.
It’s important to note that books don’t necessarily have to be about academics. We have so much literature dealing with many other subject matters be they: business; religion; social life; or more. The reason why it seems our society is degrading at such a high rate is because we often abandon education after the learning process is over.
We have many people who have gone through various experiences most of which were very tough and yet they came out victorious. These people have been kind enough to chronicle their experiences and lessons in a book for easier access and reading. I know many would cringe at the thought of buying a book for a thousand or more shillings but just imagine how much the price that person paid to gain all that wisdom and experience? Now add packaging this in a book for easier access? Books can reduce the time that you need to reach certain goals, if you read and apply the advice contained therein. Fifty or more years of experience packaged in a book is no mean feat. Just imagine the alternative? Waiting a lifetime to make all your mistakes in life before learning from them and then applying these lessons across your life.
So, next time you pass by a bookstore, pick up a book and become a sponge, soak your mind in all the wisdom & information contained within. Reading keeps your mind sharp and focused and above all else, helps your mind grow. Allow me to finish my post with this quote from Dr Wale Akinyemi “A person who doesn’t read has no advantage over the one who cannot read.” To read more posts by Mwangi, click HERE
