The Hubris of Non-Readers

As a passionate reader—indeed, someone who built a company around the joys and benefits of reading—I was immediately intrigued by this Atlantic headline this week: “The People Who Don’t Read Books.”

At this time of year, millions of people commit to reading more in the coming year; it’s one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. Though reading has incredible benefits for every aspect of our mental health and intelligence, many people claim they don’t have time to read. I assumed that the article would explore this phenomenon—those who want to read, but find their daily lives and time constraints get in the way. Suffice it to say, I was wrong.

Thomas Chatterton Williams’s article is about those who have no desire to read, who in fact gleefully disparage reading. “I am a proud non-reader of books,” said Ye (formerly Kanye West), one of those profiled in the article. Of course, Ye has had an astonishing fall from grace in the last few years, culminating in recent horrific statements of antisemitism. In fact, each of the men discussed in this article have had serious stumbles in the last year: Sam Bankman-Fried, whose career as a fintech wunderkind was cut short last year as his crypto company collapsed, is apparently another who would “never” read a book. If these two people form a club of non-readers, I’m happy not to be a member.?

It’s notable that both of these proud non-readers seem to struggle with epic cases of hubris. To assume that your mind cannot be improved by the collective wisdom of humankind, or be inspired by great works of art, or be expanded by another’s perspective, is indicative of a terrible failure of imagination.

After this article, I’m more proud than ever to be a passionate reader. I hope reading this inspires you to pick up a book.