"شراء الكتب سيكون شيئًا جيدًا إذا كان بإمكاننا أيضًا شراء الوقت لقراءتها"

Sometimes we get caught up in the notion that simply acquiring things will make us better, smarter, or more fulfilled. The heart of this quote is that collecting books isn't the same as reading them. It's pointing out that while it's easy to buy books, finding the time to actually read and absorb them is the real challenge.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed by many thinkers and writers. There's a certain allure to having a library full of unread books—it's a sign of potential, of possibilities yet to be realized. But without the commitment to dive into those pages, it’s all just for show. This idea is especially relevant today given our busy lives filled with distractions, where we often prioritize tasks that seem urgent over those that are merely important.

Think about a personal library you may have at home. Shelves lined with novels, biographies, and self-help books. They look impressive and they hold the potential for countless adventures and insights. But let’s be honest—how many of those have you actually read? The act of buying a book is a commitment to a future you, one who has time and focus. But as we all know, life has a way of filling up our schedules with work, family, and other obligations.

Consider the story of Jane, a young professional with a love of books. She has a small apartment practically bursting with books on every subject imaginable—architecture, art, history, science, you name it. Whenever she passes a bookstore, she can’t help but pick up a new title or two. However, her job as a marketing executive is demanding, and by the time she gets home, she’s often too exhausted to read. So, the books pile up, and her to-read list grows longer and longer.

Jane’s situation is relatable to many of us. We have the best intentions but find ourselves short on time. So how do we apply the wisdom from the quote in our own lives? One way is by being more mindful of our purchases. Instead of buying books on a whim, we could limit ourselves to buying a new book only after finishing one. This creates a manageable cycle—keeping both our book collection and our reading habits in check.

Additionally, carving out specific times in our day dedicated to reading can help. Maybe it’s 20 minutes in the morning with a cup of coffee or winding down with a chapter before bed. Treating reading like any other important task on our to-do list can make it a regular part of our routine.

Imagine a cozy Sunday morning. The sun is peeking through the curtains, and you’re curled up on the couch with a blanket and a mug of your favorite tea. You’ve turned off your phone, so there’s no buzzing or notifications to distract you. For the next couple of hours, it’s just you and the book you’ve been meaning to read. This time is precious and you feel a sense of accomplishment as you turn each page. It's a small slice of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.

By finding time to actually read the books we buy, we enrich our lives and expand our horizons. It's not just about owning books—it's about the stories, knowledge, and experiences they offer. So next time you’re tempted to buy a new book, think about whether you’re also committing to the time it takes to truly enjoy it.