The Case For Books
Every Sunday in the Mission Critical Weekly Briefing we review a book we’ve read. In just over 2 years that’s 106 books. Of course not every book we read makes it - “we read the bad books so others don’t have to” is our mantra. It’s a lot of reading but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The image accompanying this article is our last 9 reads.
We love to read !
Here are the 5 things which make us happy readers.
(1) Sometimes You Need A Long Explanation
Technology has made us all very impatient. We crave the maximum amount of information in the shortest time - that’s not a bad thing and it is one of the reasons we created ‘Mission Critical’. However, sometimes, someone needs more time to advance an argument, marshal the facts and to establish a narrative that leaves the reader enlightened and satisfied at the end of the read. Books do that - when done well they are elegant and unhurried.
(2) Losing Yourself In One Topic Is Relaxing
Books (especially if you go down the analogue route - point 5) allow you to immerse yourself in a topic. Nearly always replacing breadth with depth. It’s both stimulating and rewarding to focus on one subject matter. Your brain switches from shotgun to rifle - every new piece of information is pondered. Done properly reading a book turns from chore to delight.
(3) Carving Out Time Is Essential
A book by your side, on the bedside table, in your bag, tucked down the side of the sofa is a reminder of an “unfinished project”. Throughout COVID-19 we’ve lost those regular location moments when we could switch off to read (daily commute, on an aircraft) so building a book into your daily schedule is a must.
(4) Re-Reading Is Twice The Fun
Books have more of a permanence than we give them credit for. Re-reading a favourite is enjoyable and using a re-read as a catalyst to motivate is effective. Throughout the pandemic we’ve returned to some old classics (fiction) and business guides and biographies - the messages endure.
(5) Analogue Every Time
This is probably the most important point as far as we are concerned. Sure there are attractions to digital books - space saving for one. But we spend too much of our time using screens. Our devices come loaded with distractions, they need charged, you can’t use them in the bath ! A proper book has a tactility to it. It’s a switch off from technology and a journey into the mind of the author. And lastly, when you are done you can pass the book on to someone.
”Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home”.
Anna Quindlen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Izatt is a brand consultant living in London and founder of Mission Critical, a highly focused and curated weekly briefing for time poor and information hungry decision makers.
THE DAILY is a complimentary weekday new briefing and you can sign-up here. No spam, just short and sharp.
You can email Mark here and read about his recently published book ‘Mission Critical - 101 tips to survive and thrive at work in the office, on the move and at home’.
