It requires a depth of reading inspired by thoughtfulness, as well as inquisitiveness. In order to get wisdom, slow reading is necessary: a careful, deliberate inculcation of timeless truths.

Simply sign up to the Life & Arts myFT Digest -- delivered directly to your inbox. My job as a book critic used to elicit envy at cocktail parties, with people fantasising about a life spent reading.

My job as a book reviewer used to be the envy of cocktail parties, making people fantasize about a life spent reading. Now, it's more common to hear timid admissions from participants who admit they ...

The easy dopamine hit of social media can make reading feel more effortful by comparison. But the rewards are worth the extra effort: regular readers report higher wellbeing and life satisfaction ...