The Power of Reading: Why Leaders and Historians Must Turn to Books

In an era of endless scrolling and 24/7 media consumption, we have more information at our fingertips than ever before. But the question remains: are we truly informed? As an amateur historian and a professional leader, I’ve discovered that much of what passes as knowledge today is little more than surface-level noise. That’s why I believe reading—real, in-depth reading—is essential. Not just for gathering information, but for becoming a better leader, a better historian, and ultimately, a better thinker.

Let’s face it: most of us are drowning in media. According to Nielsen’s 2023 study on media consumption, the average American spends 11 hours per day interacting with media—a staggering mix of television, YouTube, streaming services, and social media. YouTube alone claims over 2.6 billion active users, with the average video length clocking in at around 12 minutes. Television is still a dominant force, with the average American watching about 3 hours and 27 minutes daily, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But here’s the problem: most of this content isn’t designed to inform. It’s designed to entertain, provoke, or sell. The vast majority of what we call “news” is actually opinion-driven talk shows. A 2021 report by the Pew Research Center found that over 60% of what is broadcast on cable news networks like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC is opinion-based, not factual reporting. Meanwhile, the number of true, dedicated newsrooms in America continues to dwindle—down to fewer than 7,000 by 2022, a sharp decline from over 9,000 in 2004.

Contrast this with books. Reading is a fundamentally different experience. It requires time, focus, and engagement. Unlike scrolling through a YouTube feed or flipping channels, reading forces us to sit with ideas, wrestle with complexities, and consider perspectives beyond our own. Yet, we aren’t reading enough.

The numbers tell a sobering story. A Gallup poll revealed that the average American reads 12.6 books per year, but that number drops significantly when adjusted for avid readers skewing the data. A quarter of adults in the U.S. admit they haven’t read a single book in the past year. Newspaper readership has also plummeted, with only 8% of Americans reading print newspapers regularly, according to Statista. Magazines fare slightly better, but they’ve largely shifted to digital formats and short-form content, catering to our dwindling attention spans.

As a leader and historian, I’ve come to see reading as not just a personal habit, but a professional imperative. Leaders who read are more informed, more empathetic, and more strategic. History bears this out. Consider Abraham Lincoln, who was largely self-educated through voracious reading, or Theodore Roosevelt, who reportedly read a book a day even while serving as president. Reading doesn’t just provide knowledge; it cultivates the kind of critical thinking and emotional intelligence that are essential for leadership.

The same applies to historians, amateur or otherwise. To truly understand the complexities of the past, we need to go beyond documentaries and short-form videos. We need the depth and nuance that only books and in-depth articles can provide. A 10-minute YouTube summary of the Reconstruction Era or the Civil Rights Movement might be engaging, but it can never replace the insights gained from works like “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson or “The Half Has Never Been Told” by Edward E. Baptist.

But how do we encourage more people to read? First, we must acknowledge the barriers. Time is a significant factor—many people feel they’re too busy to read. But if we’re spending 3+ hours a day on TV, surely we can carve out 30 minutes for a book. Audiobooks are another great option. They allow us to “read” while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. In fact, audiobook consumption has surged in recent years, with over 20% of Americans listening to audiobooks in 2023, according to the Audio Publishers Association.

Second, we need to reframe the way we think about reading. It’s not just about gathering information; it’s about personal growth. Reading improves vocabulary, sharpens critical thinking, and even reduces stress. A 2009 study from the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, making it more effective than listening to music or taking a walk.

Finally, we need to lead by example. If you’re a parent, read with your kids. If you’re a leader, share the books that inspire you. Create a culture where reading is celebrated, not sidelined.

In closing, I challenge you to pick up a book. Not just any book, but one that challenges you, stretches you, and deepens your understanding of the world. Because the truth is, we can’t get everything we need from a YouTube video or a talk show. And we certainly can’t become better leaders or historians without putting in the work. So, let’s turn off the screens, open the pages, and start reading. The future depends on it.