"La lectura de todos los buenos libros es como una conversación con las mejores mentes de los siglos pasados"

Reading great books is like having a chat with the most brilliant minds who've ever lived. When you dive into literature, it's as if you're sitting down with the authors themselves, absorbing their wisdom, experiences, and insights. Imagine picking up a book by Shakespeare or Plato—it's like they're right there, sharing their thoughts over a cup of coffee. That's what makes reading such a powerful, intimate experience.

This quote is often attributed to René Descartes, who valued the importance of learning from those who came before us. Descartes was a philosopher in the 17th century, a time when books were one of the few ways to access knowledge from distant lands and different eras. In a world without the internet, books were the key to unlocking the accumulated wisdom of humanity. Descartes understood that by reading, we could transcend time and space, conversing with the finest minds from history.

Think about Abraham Lincoln for a moment. He grew up in a log cabin with virtually no formal education. Yet, he became one of the most revered presidents of the United States. How? Through reading. Lincoln devoured books on law, philosophy, and rhetoric. Each book was a mentor, guiding him, shaping his thoughts. Every page turned was a conversation with the great thinkers. This thirst for knowledge, driven by the power of books, helped Lincoln navigate one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

So, how can you apply this wisdom today? Start by making reading a habit. Don’t just skim through bestsellers—aim for those timeless pieces that have shaped our world. Dive into the works of Aristotle, Austen, or even contemporary thinkers like Stephen Hawking. Approach each book as if it's a conversation. Ask yourself what the author is trying to convey, challenge their ideas, and see how they resonate with your own experiences.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you're stuck on a problem at work. You've racked your brain, but no solution seems right. Instead of stressing, pick up a book by a thought leader in your field. Suppose you're in marketing—grab something by Seth Godin or Philip Kotler. As you read, you're not just consuming words; you're engaging in a mental dialogue. You’re asking, “What would Seth do?” or “How does Philip approach this?”. Their insights can spark new ideas, offering solutions you hadn't considered.

I remember once feeling completely lost in my career. I was juggling several projects, and nothing seemed to be going well. One evening, I picked up "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, a classic on strategy and leadership. As I read, it was like Sun Tzu was right there, coaching me through each challenge. His principles on strategy and adaptability began to clear the haze. Suddenly, I saw my problems from a new perspective—like a conversation with a wise mentor. That book didn't just help me professionally; it transformed my way of thinking.

Reading books isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about connecting with the thoughts and experiences of those who’ve walked before us. It’s like having countless mentors, ready to share their life lessons whenever we’re willing to listen. So, grab a good book, and start your conversation with the greatest minds of history. You might be surprised by the wisdom you uncover.