Reading Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Hiding Behind Your Screen

We live in a world of short videos, endless podcasts, and AI everything. A lot of people say, “Why read when I can just watch or listen?”

Fair question.
But here’s the thing—reading hasn’t lost its value. If anything, it’s hiding behind the scenes of almost everything we consume. Podcasts? Videos? Even your favorite course? They all start with reading.

Charlie Munger once said he’s never known a wise person who didn’t read constantly. That’s not just a nice quote—it’s a reality we often overlook.

Let’s dig into why reading still matters, more than ever.

1. Podcasts? They’re Reading Behind the Mic

That podcast you love? Whether it’s about self-improvement, history, or true crime, someone had to research it first.
And that research? It likely came from articles, studies, blog posts, and maybe even books.

Many podcast hosts:

• Write scripts or outlines
• Read facts and quotes aloud
• Take notes before recording

So while you’re listening, remember—you’re enjoying the results of someone else’s reading.

2. Most Videos Start With a Script

TikTok, YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion—pick a platform.
Most creators don’t just hit record and ramble. They:

• Write outlines or full scripts
• Read source material to sound smart
• Study comments or feedback (also reading!)

Even comedy skits or vlogs have planning behind them. It’s all powered by reading—just not always out loud.

3. Online Courses Still Involve Reading

People say, “I don’t read—I take online courses instead.”
But guess what?

• Courses come with instructions
• Lessons include slides and PDFs
• You take notes (hopefully) to review later

Reading is baked into the learning process, even if it’s not a physical book.

4. Reading Builds a Deeper Brain Workout

Listening and watching are helpful. But reading does something different:

• It makes your brain slow down
• You connect thoughts in your own way
• You control the pace, not the speaker

Reading helps you stay focused, question ideas, and grow your thinking muscles.

5. The Smartest People Are Bookworms

You don’t have to take my word for it. Just look around:

• Warren Buffett reads 5+ hours a day
• Bill Gates knocks out 50 books a year
• Oprah built a brand around books
• Elon Musk learned rocket science—by reading

These people didn’t get ahead by skipping books. They got smarter because they made time for them.

Reading isn’t just for school. It’s fuel for success.

So, Is Reading Still Relevant?

Absolutely.
It’s not about replacing podcasts or videos. Those are great too.
But if you cut reading out of your life completely?
You’re missing out on the one thing all other formats rely on.

Books. Notes. Scripts. Articles. Comments. Captions. Research.

It all comes back to reading.

You don’t have to read 100 pages a day.
Start small. Even a paragraph a day is a step forward.

Final Thought

If you’re learning, growing, or chasing any big goal—reading will help get you there.
And if you’re here, reading this post?
You’re already on the right track.