I am amazed by those who do not read for pleasure, especially those who are entirely capable of reading. To me, it is like intentionally going through life with one's eyes closed, knowing that a greater world exists beyond one's fingertips, but refusing to fully experience it. I can only imagine how drab and dull the world must be.
The irony is that today's society reads more total words a day than any society in the history of the world. Unfortunately, so much of that reading is vacuous, vapid, and banal. It is the day-to-day repetition of transmitting meaning with little depth or flavor. Yet we gobble it up like candy, often not realizing that we crave heartier fare.
Especially considering how divided my attention has been of late, I am glad that I take the time to still explore worlds that are otherwise beyond my reach. Moreso, I am glad that my children have taken a love to reading as well. Hopefully, their lives are richer for it.