skills are improved dramatically through reading. In the Information Age where we are bombarded with information of all types (high and low quality and everything in between), good critical thinking skills are more important than ever (e.g., the ability to analyze the strengths & weaknesses of arguments, identify nuance, critique the credibility of sources, etc).

In addition, reading vastly improves one's vocabulary, one's speaking ability, ability to write well, and ability to spell (yes spelling still matters). These skills are critical for good communication and do much to build a person's credibility at work and elsewhere.

The short content of much of today's information (Twitter, Insta, FB, online articles) does a horrible job of exploring the depth of a subject. It is typically shallow knowledge presented in short chunks. It does not in any way help the reader to develop a depth of knowledge in anything. In other words, we know more and more about less and less. We are producing fewer and fewer experts.

The scriptures are books. Sacred literature (The Book of Mormon, Bible, Quran, Bhavagad Gita, etc.) has had and continues to have an enormous influence on the spirituality and cultures of people around the world. Some of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life have come as I have pondered the majesty of God and his love for me as conveyed through scripture. I wouldn't trade those special experiences for anything in the world.

Lastly, good books of all types (fiction, non fiction) are crucial for telling the most important stories of our times, including exploring classic themes in human existence (e.g., justice and mercy, love, death, and living with purpose). This is the stuff life is made of and it matters, a lot, to develop one's own views on these themes.

Please never encourage schools or people to stop focusing on reading books.