James Marriott outlines the catastrophic consequences of the decline in reading in ‘A World Without Books’

In his book Een wereld zonder boeken, The Times columnist James Marriott examines the societal consequences of a global decline in literacy. Marriott argues that the shift from the printed word to a screen-based culture, driven by social media, undermines our ability to think critically and analyze complex information. By analyzing historical shifts in reading, he demonstrates how the democratization of knowledge was essential for cognitive development and the functioning of healthy democracies.

Marriott highlights the alarming correlation between declining literacy rates and the rise of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and autocracy. He notes that the digital era has replaced deep, reflective reading with superficial engagement, potentially threatening the future of democratic discourse. Instead of framing reading merely as a recreational activity, Marriott asserts that maintaining literacy is vital for our cognitive health and political stability. He calls for a renewed societal commitment to reading as an essential practice for safeguarding the future of our culture and democratic values.