As Simple as That: 5 Myth-Busting Things About Books That Change Lives and Careers (Part 2 of 6)

(A Notes to Self Series)

“I read books.”
– Elon Musk

On Saturday, I posted the first instalment of this six-part quote series about books. I talked about J.K. Rowling’s words and how she may not be too keen about her book’s magic to be really happening in reality but she believes that good books could pave the way for magical results.

Now, even as Rowling may have more than a billion dollars worth of reasons to say that, some may still be inclined to say otherwise.

Yet, are books impractical? Are they only good for those who are fond of make believe?

No.

Here’s a good reason why:

Myth # 1: They are not practical.

The truth: Books are enablers.

When asked how he was able to think inventively enough to come up with rockets, Elon Musk said, “I read books.”

South African-born Canadian-American Musk is an innovator, engineer, entrepreneur, and multi-billionaire extraordinaire who’s impossible not to know. What is lesser known is that he is also a bookworm, though. Nicknamed “Muskrat,” science fiction and fantasy books had been his go-to reads when he was younger. Well, that worked out well, didn’t it? He was able to do things because of his reading. If we could come up with another SpaceX or Tesla idea as a result like he did, then what’s there to lose?

Elon has also launched an XPrize humanitarian project called Global Learning. It was meant to encourage thinkers to come up with initiatives that enable disadvantaged children to acquire basic reading skills among other learning benefits. He has seen what’s good and been trying to pass along the advantages, indeed.

Are you curious about his book list? Here it is on this link.

Curious to know more?

Follow my personal blog site, Words of Hope and Optimism, for the continuation of this article.

For more about books, check out the OnlineBookClub.org website. As one among more than a million volunteer and professional members of the club, I could say that being part of it is a great thing. Check out my book reviews on the site through the following link. For more of my other reviews and written works, you may want to look at my personal website, i.e. “Words of Hope and Optimism,” too.

Special mention also goes to Rob White, whose book “And Then I Met Margaret” inspired me to find out details that could bust common myths and chance upon life’s truths even in the most unlikely places and from unexpected people.

Now, what do you think about books and reading? I’m looking forward to knowing your thoughts.

This post was first published as a portion of a LinkedIn article.