I read recently about some of the most successful people who possess a habit of reading. Bill Gates reads about 50 books a year. Buffet, Zuckerberg, Oprah, all have been avid readers. There are some claims about Elon Musk too, but I take all claims about him with a pinch of salt. More about that maybe later. But there is no denying that reading is not only a good habit, but also a source of joy and contentment.

As the close of first half of the year draws nearer, I feel I am on track to finish my target to finish 25 books. Have finished 13 so far, slightly better than the goal. Unlike Gates who does not read fiction, I do not keep such constraints. Plus, my reading also includes listening to books, thanks to Audible. No better use of the office commute and back.

Clearly, writing is an art. Not everyone can write skillfully. To keep a reader engaged and curious throughout is not a talent everyone possesses. But I argue that reading is an art too. An art that is easy to acquire, retain and cultivate. An art that is not open to judgement unlike a finite piece of art such as a painting, sculpture or a dance form. The art of reading reveals and uncovers the reader subtly, over a longer timescale and is equally rewarding.

Reading is a knowledge gained by free will, with no pressure of achieving a degree or a certificate. And it is also the easiest form of acquiring the knowledge. If it can get you right into your hands the intellect of Gore Vidal, the master storytelling of Tolstoy, the self-help guidance from Stephen Covey and Dale Carnegie and the unfathomable philosophies of ancient texts of India, who wouldn’t want it? So whenever you have time, read. Rather, create time in the daily schedule for reading.