“A man who does not read has no advantage over a man who cannot read.” – Einstein.
After losing my mother at only 16 on January 16, 1990, I was hopelessly distraught. She was my last hope. Six months later, I bought my first book by Dr Robert Schuller titled Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do!
This book helped me in my acceptance and healing journey. My school principal, Mr Mazibuko, saw me reading it and said, “Veli, when you open a book, however old it may be, you open the world.” These words are tattooed in my mind to this day, hence my passion for reading.
Reading helps you:
• travel to distant lands: Explore exotic locations without leaving our homes;
• meet fascinating characters: Encounter people from all walks of life and learn from their experiences;
• understand different perspectives: Gain insights into diverse cultures and viewpoints;
• expand our knowledge: Learn about history, science, art and more.
• stimulate our imagination: Create vivid mental images and stories.
It never crossed my mind that this experience was about life setting me for a journey as an author. Five books later, I reflect with a smile on what I thought would destroy me. May this remind you that everything that happens to us carries a lesson that we mostly miss because we become lost in a moment of pain.
As Steve Jobs said, “The dots can only be connected by looking backwards.”
In essence, books offer us a chance to escape reality, broaden our horizons and enrich our lives. So, the next time you open a book, remember that you are not just reading words on a page; you are opening a door to a whole new world.
