Reading: Broaden Your Mind

Published by Stephen Milward in Culture · Tuesday 10 Feb 2026 · 2 minutes
Tags: reading, broaden, your, mind, personal, development, education, knowledge, books, critical, thinking, imagination, lifelong, learning, mental, stimulation

Reading is such a powerful joy in life. It adds so much to personal development, knowledge and it's just fun to do. But it wasn't always like that for me.

I didn't grow up in a house of books. I have no memory of reading for pleasure. I read because I had to - homework mainly. I didn't find it easy since I missed a lot of my early schooling. It was something to be avoided if possible.

I did learn to read music though. I would say that I could read music better than words at one time. I enjoyed reading a page of music and hearing the sounds in my head. The page spoke to me.

It wasn't until secondary school that reading became more important in my life. But I still didn't read for pleasure, just purpose. Then something happened. Denise entered my life and her house was full of books. Everyone read, and not just books. Maps were read for fun. The act of picking up a paper, a book, a map was natural and for the first time I understood that reading was something to take pleasure in.

I read magazines and computer software manuals and got pleasure from reading for the first time. Then, later in life, I started to read books. In my case, non-fiction mainly, but later I developed a love for Russian novels and Shakespeare. I tend to read slowly, alone and in a quiet space. I haven't developed a love of reading on a device. I prefer the act of physically turning the pages. I feel more connected to the words doing that.

We're very proud that our daughter Jenni is an author. She's always read passionately and now others read her words. Brilliant!

My wish is for everyone to take pleasure in reading. If you don't, please do try it. Visit a physical bookshop. Browse the shelves. I guarantee that you will feel enriched and happier.