It's the London Book Fair '23 - So Why Do Books (Still) Matter?

This week it’s the London Book Fair at Olympia (I’ll see you there!) – so it’s worth examining, in a social media saturated world, what it is that makes books special.

Books are more than just a collection of words bound together. For centuries, they’ve held extra-ordinary value and significance in our lives - shaping our hearts, minds, and souls. Books matter because they are fountains of human knowledge, vehicles of imagination and creativity, and stimuli for personal growth and societal progress.

Knowledge

First and foremost, books are storehouses of knowledge. They capture the collective wisdom, insights, and experiences of all humanity. From ancient manuscripts to modern bestsellers, books trace the evolution of human thought, culture, and history - from science and technology to philosophy and art, from literature and poetry to politics and social issues. Books enable us to learn, discover, and expand our understanding of the world and ourselves, while serving as reservoirs of knowledge that we can access at any time, empowering us to educate ourselves, broaden our horizons, and make informed decisions.

Imagination and creativity.

Moreover, books are conduits of imagination and creativity. They can transport us to different realms and worlds, sparking our imagination and awakening our creativity. Through the power of words, books evoke emotions and vivid imagery, and build intricate narratives that captivate our minds and hearts. A book can take us to distant lands, experience diverse cultures, and tangle with a multitude of characters with whom we can empathize and relate, or, on the other hand, dislike and root against. Books encourage empathy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, as they expose us to different perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and provoke our thoughts. They stimulate our imagination, inspire our creativity, and encourage us to dream, envision, and aspire.

Growth and progress

Furthermore, books stimulate personal growth and societal progress. They have the power to transform lives, shape identities, and impact communities. I remember the first books that transformed my thinking - Orwell’s Animal Farm, which I read cover to cover in one afternoon at 12 years old, and which altered the way I thought about government and politics – and Homer’s Iliad, which changed the way I looked at war and religion. Books can educate, motivate, and empower individuals to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and achieve their aspirations. Books can provide solace, guidance, and wisdom during difficult times, and companionship, inspiration, and enlightenment in moments of joy and triumph. Books challenge the status quo, question norms, and prompt change. They inspire movements, trigger conversations, and promote social justice. Books can also foster a sense of community, as they bring people together through shared stories, shared experiences, and shared ideas.

Books matter!

Books matter because they are not just objects made of paper and ink (although there remains nothing quite like the thrill of taking possession of a new book and opening it to that first page!). Books enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and inspire our imaginations. Books have the power to transform individuals and societies, and in so doing shape the course of history. As such, books are not just a luxury, but a necessity for the human experience. They hold an irreplaceable place in our lives, as they continue to shape, challenge, and enlighten us.