Source: Fortune.com
Summary
A recent survey found that two in five Americans did not read a single book in 2025, with daily reading for pleasure plummeting 40% over the past two decades. In contrast, many top CEOs, such as Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, prioritize reading as a daily habit. Experts argue that reading is essential for nuanced analysis, communication, and critical thinking, skills that are increasingly rare in business leaders. Research shows that well-read individuals are more likely to come up with innovative ideas, and corporate leaders are prioritizing curiosity and intellectual curiosity in their hiring processes.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. While top CEOs like Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey make time for reading, the broader public is abandoning the habit. The decline in reading has troubling implications for future success, as it undermines critical thinking and nuanced analysis. The attention economy, driven by social media and AI, is a key driver of this shift. As a result, intellectual curiosity and deep thinking are becoming luxury goods in the business world.
Original observation: The decline in reading is a canary in the coal mine for the erosion of critical thinking in business.
Author: Evan Null
