New Study Reveals the Real Reason We Don’t Read Anymore
In 1170, a monk in Normandy penned these words: “A monastery without a library [sine armario] is like a castle without an armory [sine armamentario]. Our library is our armory.” This was certainly the conviction of the apostle Paul, who even from his prison cell in Rome implored Timothy to be sure to bring him his books (II Timothy 4:13). Yet for most people, including Christians, reading remains mostly aspirational in nature.
A recent NPR/Ipsos survey found that most Americans really want to read more books. And when we read, we enjoy it. It’s even something we would put in the “want to get better at” camp. We just don’t. It simply isn’t a priority.
For example, 82% of the respondents thought reading was a useful way to learn about the world. 76% said reading was relaxing. A massive 98% of respondents who had children in the home wanted their children to “develop a love of reading.” Yet only 51% had read a book in the past month, compared to 80% who “watched streaming services, used social media, or watched a short-form video.”
So why don’t we read?
It’s not that readers are those who turn off Netflix and open up Dickens. In truth, the study showed that readers are even more likely to consume other forms of media than non-readers. It’s not a competition between “readers” and “scrollers.” No, when asked about the “reasons you don’t read more,” the most common answer among respondents was “other life activities.” This could involve anything from chores to a night out with friends.
But that, of course, is a choice.
I once heard Jim Collins, known best as the author of business titles, comment that we do not need to make more “to-do” lists, but rather a few “stop doing” lists. I know that in my life, the great opposition to reading is what I allow to fill my time instead of reading. To say we have no time to read is not really true; we have simply chosen to use our time for other things or have allowed our time to be filled to the exclusion of reading.
I mentioned that when it comes to reading, we are largely aspirational in nature. Even the headline of the article reporting the findings of the survey noted that “reading is aspirational.” Upon reflection, I’m not so sure that’s the best word. It would be more accurate to say that it resides in the “desire” category and never makes its way to the “aspirational” category. Meaning we don’t have our desire to read translate into the choices that a life that truly aspires to read would take.
So, the next time you feel the desire to read, let it become aspirational. Which means, when the feeling comes around again, actually pick up a book. And to all of you parents who want your child to develop a love of reading,
... it’s going to take them seeing you love it.
James Emery White
Sources
The “monk in Normandy” as cited by Daniel J. Boorstin, The Discoverers: A History of Man’s Search to Know His World and Himself.
Andrew Limbong, “Most Americans Want to Read More Books. We Just Don’t.” NPR, April 7, 2025, read online.
James Emery White, A Mind for God (InterVarsity Press), order from Amazon.
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Vichien Petchmai
Published Date: 4/24/25
James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and a former professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. His latest book, Hybrid Church: Rethinking the Church for a Post-Christian Digital Age, is now available on Amazon or from your favorite bookseller. To enjoy a free subscription to the Church & Culture blog, visit churchandculture.org where you can view past blogs in our archive, read the latest church and culture news from around the world, and listen to the Church & Culture Podcast. Follow Dr. White on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @JamesEmeryWhite.
Originally published April 24, 2025.
