Darren and the encyclopedia: Why print books still have a place

While at my permaculture course, Darren Doherty, our instructor, told a little bit of his own story now and then. At one point, he mentioned that he had learned to read when he was about three years old. And when he was five or six years old, he received a World Book Encyclopedia for his birthday.

"I read the entire set four times through."

--Now, before I say anything else, I should note that he is the second person I have met who has confessed to reading an entire encyclopedia.

But four times through? And why? What would motivate a child to read an entire encyclopedia?

Well, besides the basic thirst for knowledge--which both of the people I have met who have done this have obviously exhibited, Darren replied, "Because it was mine. They were my books."

The encyclopedia was a unique gift and it was his.

Thought: I can't imagine an electronic encyclopedia--an e-book encyclopedia--generating anywhere near the same feelings or motivations in any child.

And that thought led to this: That print books still have a real place in today's and tomorrow's society.