When someone says, “I don’t really read,” take pause.

Reading can be a signal. It can often point to how someone engages with the culture.

Not reading is like running freely with your eyes closed. It’s not a problem if you’re out in open space — if you’re not navigating a landscape filled with obstacles or other people. It might even be beautiful and freeing to do this, or to observe it (both literally and figuratively).

But by reading, one explores a more complete landscape. One learns of the dancers. One sees how the machines operate.

And in doing so, one can engage with the culture more effectively. More intentionally.

Don’t just watch.

Read.