As humans, we are flawed, but our biggest flaw is our selfishness: our failure to think of others while we indulge in our own blessings. On a day-to-day basis, we take numerous things we have for granted. Whether it be our possessions or opportunities, many of us do not see these things for what they truly are: privileges. Today I want to talk about one of the (in my opinion) most underappreciated privileges that we have: books.

Books are a blessing that a majority of people sadly take for granted. I'm sure you're thinking “Privilege? How are books a privilege? They're everywhere!” That is exactly my point. Even people who do not read regularly can walk in their home and find stacks and stacks of books. We take this for granted by never stopping to think that there are people on this Earth who do not have the opportunity to read, whether it be by lack of education or lack of money. Sitting and gathering dusts on our shelves are tools that when read can help humans more than any medicine or therapy.

What's so great about books? Their impact. Every story that has ever been written — poem, play, novel, song — has the power to change a person’s life. While an author has one idea and meaning while writing their work, when placed in the hands of someone else, it becomes something entirely different. One million people can read one passage of a story and that passage is automatically translated into one million different meanings. As readers we take the words on paper and apply them to our own life experiences. These characters and stories help us face our fears, help us grow as people, even help us cope with pain. Ink on paper, such a fragile combination with such a strong influence on readers everywhere, is a privilege that too few people are blessed with.

It's amazing that 26 letters can be strung together to help us grow emotionally and spiritually. When walking through your home, pick up a book and take a journey and when you're back from the adventure remember those less fortunate. Then I encourage you to donate the books you have read to your local charity location so that everyone can have a chance to seek the solace, adventure, and joy that you found between the pages of the book.