Can't read? Don't read? Tips for Becoming a Reader

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” - Mark Twain

"Only dumb-dumbs don't read" - Unknown

The Discipline of Reading: 10 Pages a Day Can Change Your Life

Reading is one of the defining traits that separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. While apes and other creatures share intelligence and instinct, the ability to absorb, process, and pass down knowledge through written words is uniquely ours. Books are not just entertainment—they are tools of growth, perspective, and wisdom. To neglect reading is to neglect one of the greatest advantages we have as human beings.

A simple strategy can make reading a consistent part of life: commit to just 10 pages a day. Ten pages may not sound like much, but over the course of a year it adds up to 3,650 pages—roughly 5 to 10 books depending on length. That’s a library of ideas, insights, and stories built one small step at a time. 

James Clear’s *Atomic Habits* introduces the concept of “habit stacking,” where you attach a new habit to something you already do. Reading 10 pages while drinking your morning coffee, winding down before bed, or even during a break in the day makes the practice automatic and sustainable.

Like any other exercise, your "reading muscle" with strengthen with use. At first, 10 pages may feel like effort, but over time the pages become easier, the focus sharper, and the appetite for knowledge greater. Reading regularly prevents mental atrophy and keeps the brain engaged.

Don't skip a day!  If you skip a day, you will lose momentum on your book, forget where you were in the story, forget who the characters are, etc.  Discipline begets discipline.

Tools like basic black‑and‑white Kindles are excellent for this discipline—they strip away distractions and keep the focus on words, not notifications or apps.

In the end, there is no single “right” way to read. Whether it’s physical books, e‑readers, or audiobooks, the only bad way to read is not to read at all. Ten pages a day is a small investment with enormous returns, and it ensures that the uniquely human gift of reading continues to shape your professional growth and personal life.  Also, if you don't read, you are a dumb-dumb.