Why the Smartest People Have Tons of Unread Books

Wall of shelves filled with countless books and reference guides

Legendary Italian writer, Umberto Eco, owned a personal library with a staggering 30,000 books, and he separated visitors into two categories:

Those who ask, “Wow! How many of these books have you read?” and those who understand — that’s not the point.

If you’re a reader like me, you probably have an ever-growing stack of books beside your bed that you haven’t read yet. Or better yet — shelves and shelves full of unread books.

It’s like they multiply on their own! Every time you read one, three more take its place.

It’s nothing to feel guilty over — especially if you’re a writer.

In fact, having a lot of unread books puts you in the same club as some of the smartest, most successful people in the world. People like Stephen King, Jay Walker, Bill Gates … and even copywriting legends like Mark Ford and Bob Bly.

That’s because the books you haven’t read can actually be more valuable than the books you have read.

In his book, The Black Swan, Nassim Taleb explains how we should build a relationship with books and knowledge:

“The library should contain as much of what you do not know as your financial means allow you to put there. You will accumulate more knowledge and more books as you grow older … Indeed, the more you know, the larger the rows of unread books.

But why is that?

All those unread books sitting around your house aren’t just collecting dust … they’re acting as a powerful reminder …

A reminder of everything you don’t know … and all the amazing things you can still discover.

That’s why some of the most brilliant minds in the world keep shelves and shelves of unread books around them. There’s no better inspiration than seeing the infinite possibilities laid out in front of you.

So when you find yourself surrounded by ever-multiplying books … and let’s face it, you would need a hundred lifetimes to get to them all … don’t be discouraged.

Instead, remember to see your library for what it is — a research tool full of endless possibilities.

Every Writer Should Also Be a Reader

Of course, Stephen King also famously said, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

So it helps to make sure your library is stocked with the books every writer should read. Here are just a few …

Remember, the millions of books you haven’t read yet are even more valuable than the few you have, so relax, and enjoy the never-ending journey of discovery and learning ahead of you.

Do you have any books you recommend that fellow copywriters add to their libraries? Please share with us in the comments below.

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Published: December 18, 2018

7 Responses to “Why the Smartest People Have Tons of Unread Books”

  1. AMEN! Julia. AMEN! :-)

    Tim Geiger

  2. With AWAI encouragement along with Jay Boyer's suggestions, I have started a book series. "Lord of the Knowledge" by IREELY CARE. The books are blank page books. This article is so true. The series of books can be called a journal. There are chapter titles which the receiver can now write their thoughts. Some folks have purchased the books as a gag gift. A title may look like this "What Men Really Know". When the receiver opens it.nothing. Easy to read. Thank you AWAI and Jay Boyer!

    ICARE

  3. Thanks. Great list!
    I also recommend Ultimate Selling Story By Copywriter Roy Furr

    The Ultimate Selling Story: Cut Through the Marketing Clutter, Forge a Powerful Bond with Your Market, and Set Up the Sale Using the Hero's Journey of Story Selling

    VLewis

  4. I have a good deal of "unreads" Now I feel I'm in good company.
    I have been reading Scientific Advertising over and over. A chapter a day. Timeless advice. One a Day copywriter vitamin...

    Guest (Cindy Mae)

  5. Rage at Chupadera. Though it is a western crime novel, it helps with metaphors and similies. While copywriters don't need those two things, they do need to see the easy, common wording, language style of this author, nothing pretentious.

    Guest (Patricia )

  6. Boy! My mattress if not filled with eiderdown but with books!
    Uplifting, I assure you.

    To help to the task, I suggest:
    - the Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron* discover, expand, enjoy your creativity (writing, coaching, art, etc..)
    - Mind Programming, by Eldon Taylor on the Dark and Bright side of Persuasion and Proramming for Success and Healing.
    - What Does That Mean?, also by Eldon Taylor Exploring who you really are, systems of beliefs, power of the mind. Enlighting!

    Guest (Andre P)

  7. Thanks. My many unread books have had me a bit worried. I often recall what a literature prof once told me: "It's not reading the book that counts, it's the time spent staring out of the window... with the book open on your lap."

    Guest (Alison)


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