In our fast-paced, technological environment, reading has become somewhat sidelined. The new generation believes in learning from videos and audio, but certainly not from reading. The former seems fast, efficient, and exciting, but is it really the best option to learn, grow, and expand our visions?

Reading requires patience and time, which makes it more fruitful for learners of all ages. Many believe, indulging in daily reading keeps their minds active and free from locked opinions. The famous avid reader, Bill Gates, is the foremost example of the same. He also elucidated his reading method, where he makes sure to keep making notes, which helps him remember what he reads. Not just him, but many influential personalities are bookworms, including Oprah Winfrey, Indira Gandhi, Jeff Bezos, and more.

The habit of reading will allow you to communicate your thoughts better, expand your knowledge, and not just on a base level. Words hold the power of leaving an imprint on your brain, which 30-second videos do not. The reason why books are so popular among the leaders is also because of how a book can challenge them. Imagine talking to a person and they tell you all about what they think and how they see the world. The interesting part is that you can never understand someone's whole perspective, their entire take on life, in a single conversation. But a book allows you to engage with the thoughts of people from all around the world. Only an open-minded person who understands the ways of the world can take on this challenge. Being restricted to your own thoughts is like sitting in a golden cage, unaware of what's out there in the world. Social media does not help in the formation of our brains because it sticks to repeated trends and copied opinions. Another false propaganda is reading through screens. Sure, you can read articles and news from the comfort of your phones and tablets, but when you pick a book, try to avoid e-books, which can make your eyes strain and make reading another form of forced elitism.

If reading is so beneficial and has had its influence on many great leaders, then why does the new generation run from it? Like the many issues of today, the answer lies in the excessive use of screens. The rise of smartphones among young children has led to shorter attention spans and reduced patience. Today's children can be seen as irritated and aggressive globally, which is the direct result of increased screen time. The constant source of entertainment and learning has become social media and YouTube, which also leads to instant gratification. Instant gratification is the urge to experience something or have something right now, which often results in a negative impact on the brain. It may provide a temporary satisfaction, but that's just part of the trap.

Today's generation faces a number of distractions that make it harder for them to indulge in reading. The fascination of digital media, with its alluring imagery and instant gratification, is particularly the first choice of young learners in a world dominated by screens. Furthermore, the schools could contribute to making reading fun, but the digitalization of classes has put its foot on that, too. Assignments that require research from textbooks can often be perceived as boring and long.

The result of this decline in reading is that children and young adults lack certain skills in comprehending the world. They believe what they see on their screens. They can see an hour-long video on the Book they tried to read, but actually reading it is not something their brain can take on. Lack of interest in reading can lead to limited knowledge, impaired communication, and a narrow perspective on the world. It can also minimize critical thinking skills and analysis skills.

To avoid this reading block from the brain, people can try building certain habits within themselves and also in their homes. For young children, try to read the books in which they are interested, rather than just giving them a book to read on their own. Sit with them, get a tour in their imagination, and observe how they perceive that book. If they have already been exposed to extended screen times, it can surely be difficult to hand them a book, but this step is necessary. Young parents can try to limit the distractions and build a reading environment for both of them and their children. This can engage children in reading and not perceive it as a chore, but as a fun and mindful hobby.

By nurturing a love for reading from a young age, we equip the next generation with the essential skills to navigate an increasingly complex world. It's about fostering a lifelong journey of learning and discovery, one page at a time.

Harry S. Truman said it best: "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." The habit of reading is famous among leaders because it is free from the chaos of social media. It focuses solely on improving your brain, calming your mind, expanding your thoughts, and making you a better, more resolved version of yourself. Not just to gain the knowledge of the world and other people's perspectives, books will help an individual to know more about themselves. You will find out to whom you relate, the new theories and new fantasies will take you to a different world, and you will eventually realise that this whole time you were living in a box of thoughts, while the imagination can go beyond the universe. The more you acknowledge the world, the less you will find it intimidating, and books are the greatest source of that. Indulge in the beautiful art of reading, get to know yourself through others' words, and be lost in the world the books have to offer. So, which book are you picking up today, future leader? 

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