Introduction
There is a wide notion that knowledge is power but this assertion is not correct. However, you will be right if you say that the acquisition of knowledge gives you potential power.
Acquiring information in a specific area either by reading or by research gives you a great store of knowledge. You may have a store of knowledge in a specific or diverse area but until you apply it to make a decision that will be beneficial to either yourself or fellow human beings, that knowledge remains dormant within you and unprofitable to everyone.
* How can you acquire knowledge?
You acquire wisdom when you read books, magazines, newspapers, watch documentaries on television, listen to people adjudged to be more experienced than we are, get mentored by experts in particular areas of interest to us, from the internet, from libraries and finally through formal education to mention but a few.
My assertion that readers are leaders may be challenged. However, I wish to open your eyes to the fact that when you read you become a leader. Please follow my arguments carefully.
i) Books are sources of knowledge that enlightens and develops your mind.
A book is a written material whether soft or hard copy. The mission of most authors is to inform you about specific areas where the author has sharper insights or expert knowledge. Reading any book therefore gives you new knowledge in the subject covered by the author.
Let us illustrate my claims by giving a vivid example everybody can easily relate to. Let us assume that you bought a book with a title “EFFECTIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES THAT SAVES LIFE”. Now this book will teach all the techniques you must apply to become an effective driver and any one that reads and applies what they have read becomes an effective driver.
Anyone interested in updating his or her knowledge in the subject treated in the book will simply buy this book read, digest and apply what you have learned.
As you read and assimilate this book, you enter into the authors mind and extract some new information on the subject treated. This extracted information improves your knowledge bank such that when next you drive a car, you become conscious of the need to drive effectively. You apply this knowledge by reflex action as if programmed.
The insights you acquired by reading the book will enable you to counsel others on this issue of using effective driving technique any where the issue is discussed. As you counsel, lecture or teach others in this particular area you become a leader in that subject and it also impacts on your driving skills.
ii) Reading makes you an authority
Reading has the capacity to empower you. It is a known fact that you can become an expert in any subject you desire by researching it, reading it up and applying the knowledge gained to move ahead of your peers. As you become more knowledgeable you develop into a leader as other people too lazy to apply themselves the way you did by reading, ask your opinion on those areas they perceive you have better understanding.
iii) Why you must read books
I make bold to say that books from what we have discussed so far, are priceless opportunities. To further buttress my submissions above, I declare that the easiest way to lead others in this 21st century is to read books for the following reasons:
1. Books expose you to other cultures enabling you to relate with people from diverse cultures.
2. Books remove ignorance from you and make you highly knowledgeable.
3. Books give you access to millions of authors minds thus making you wiser
4. Books make you better prepared to take opportunities boldly in business
5. Knowledge acquired by reading makes you a role model in your locality.
6. Application of the insights you have makes you a refined person
7. Books help you achieve your purpose due to exposure to good information
iv) Still not convinced?
Reading books expands your mind such that your life will hardly ever remain the same thereafter.If you dare to apply the nuggets of knowledge acquired through dedicated reading of an area you are passionate about, your horizon becomes enlarged and your world expands tremendously.
Conclusion and suggestions.
I urge you to grab a book on any topic you are passionate about and read with an open and inquisitive mind of a baby, eager to either prove my submissions totally right or wrong.
I wish to reiterate the fact, that readers are leaders and urge you to become an avid reader if you desire to become a man of influence in this information age.
Victor Usifo is dedicated to helping people get information on self improvement and how to stay motivated for all round success. For sharp insights and revelations of keys to unlocking issues that challenge us daily please visit:
http://www.victorsinsightsforliving.blogspot.com
http://www.getemployedfast.blogspot.com
http://www.netbizkey.com
