“You could even say that Readers are the one force in our world more powerful than me. Because as long as there are Readers who believe in Good’s power over Evil, Good will still win, even if I obliterate every kingdom in the Woods. Because there will always be Readers, no matter what I do. Readers who put their faith in the Old stories, passing them down, forever and ever, keeping Good alive, beyond my control.”

-Soman Chainani, The Last Ever After (The School for Good and Evil #3)

Here, Chainani strikes at the heart of the tragedy in the Spoken Books Uprising. In the land of Oration, the Readers have (perhaps ironically, given their name) withheld literacy from a vast swath of the population. To strive for a better way of life, one must first appreciate the experiences of their fellow human beings. Yet, without the written word, the spread of ideas is nearly impossible, which favors those who would oppress others. 

As I’ve said so many times before, that is the beauty and power of reading. It entertains, it teaches, and it can even liberate. Just as Baz has used his forbidden power of Reading in The Spoken Books Uprising to lead a rebellion against the Triumvirate’s plutocracy, so too should we use that power to remain educated and demand better from the world around us.

It’s said that knowledge is power, but if that is true, then reading is the energy source. Keep yourself fueled. 

This week’s quote was submitted by Jan. Thanks, Jan!

Note to readers: Each week, I share a fantasy quote and indulge my inner philosopher with a brief essay based on said quote. Share your favorite quote with me and I might feature it in a future newsletter! Email: dtkane@dtkane.com.