There is a word called “bibliosmia”—the pleasure of the smell of books. For many of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, it was a familiar experience. Whenever we got a new book, we would smell its pages; even old books had a distinct scent of their own. Receiving new schoolbooks was an occasion of joy, and even today, remembering those days can bring back that familiar smell.
Those days have largely become a memory. The spread of digital screens has not only changed the way we read; it has also transformed our reading habits. Yesterday, September 6, was National Read a Book Day. Many may know of the day, while many others may not. Yet reading is far more than a leisure activity; it is one of the most powerful tools for shaping individuals and nations.
Beyond the serious arguments for reading, there are some striking facts as well. A widely cited study found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by as much as 68 percent. Regular reading can contribute to better concentration, vocabulary, memory and analytical thinking. Deep reading allows the brain to engage with a subject more attentively and thoughtfully, while research has also found links between reading fiction and the ability to understand other people’s emotions and develop empathy. Even reading before bedtime may help improve sleep quality.
But perhaps the greatest value of books lies beyond these measurable benefits. Books teach us to pause, to think and to question. A good book takes us beyond our own experiences and introduces us to the lives, perspectives and emotions of others. In an age defined by speed, automation and growing disconnection, these human capacities matter more than ever.
Reviving a culture of reading, therefore, is not merely a matter of personal choice; it is a question of what kind of future generation we want to build. Families should place books alongside smartphones in children’s lives. Educational institutions should encourage reading beyond textbooks. The state and society, meanwhile, must invest in better libraries, make books more accessible, and encourage diverse and engaging publications for children and young readers. Gifting books on special occasions could also be a simple way to nurture this culture.
A nation’s progress cannot be measured only by its roads, buildings or technology; it must also be measured by the depth of thought among its people. A book can change a person—and people who change can, in turn, change society.
By Salam Abu
Editor
