The Need to Read
Paul Graham’s essay The Need to Read argues that reading remains irreplaceable—even if technology could directly transfer information to our brains.
The Dual Purpose
Reading serves two purposes:
- Acquiring knowledge
- Developing writing ability
Both matter. Technology might replace the first; the second is irreplaceable.
Writing as Thinking
“Writing is not just a way to convey ideas, but also a way to have them.”
The act of writing itself generates new insights that talking or mental deliberation alone cannot produce.
The Chain of Competencies
There’s a crucial chain: you cannot think well without writing well, and you cannot write well without reading well.
Both reading skill and engaging with quality literature matter.
The Problem-Solving Advantage
Those who struggle with writing face disadvantages when tackling complicated, poorly-defined problems that benefit from written exploration.
Simple mechanical problems may not require this. Complex intellectual challenges do.
Information vs. Ideas
People seeking mere information might find alternatives. Those pursuing genuine ideas cannot afford to abandon reading.
My Takeaway
Reading remains essential not as a relic, but as the foundation for developing the thinking and writing abilities necessary for intellectual work.
What are you reading now? I’d love to hear at persdre@gmail.com.