The Best Card in Your Wallet

 

Success-minded people know that there is no gift given them more powerful than the ability to read. Mark Twain said, “The only thing sadder than a person who can’t read is one who can but doesn’t.” Reading is so crucial to your success in every area of life. One of the most tragic things I have read was a university study that said close to 40% of people who graduate from college never read another book.

Through books, you can travel to any place, learn any topic, explore other cultures, have a good laugh, and be scared out of your wits. President Abraham Lincoln said, “The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” Throughout history, you will see those great leaders and people who impacted the world were readers. Success-minded people find great power and encouragement between the covers of a book.

“Books can take a person all over the world – a library card will take your father than a driver’s license.”

Ruben Martinez

Journalest

Please do not use the excuse that you get your knowledge from television, radio, or CDs. All those things can be helpful, but they do not replace the importance of reading. I like what the great Groucho Marx said, “I find television very educational. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” 

Of course, the most important book you will ever read is the Bible. Its knowledge and wisdom are endless, and therefore you will never finish it. Bible reading should be a part of your daily routine. And it should be more than just a quick reading of a verse or two to say you did it. It needs to be studied and applied.

As a success-minded person, I encourage you to take the time to read if you are not already. It can be fiction or non-fiction, whatever you like. I do encourage you to find books that line up with your goals and read with a purpose. The important thing is to read. You do not have to read fast; you do not have to read for hours on end. Start now, and you will make it a habit you will enjoy.

Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury said, “There are some worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.” Do not neglect this tool that you have at your disposal. Nothing will bring you closer to a successful end than to read.

“Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.”

Proverbs 24:14

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.