The Value of Literacy in Building Our Future
Image credits: Rido via Shutterstock.
Written and printed words are so prevalent in our daily lives that it can be easy to overlook their importance—not just to today, but to the future, as well.
In most parts of the world, the ability to read and write has become incredibly widespread in the last two centuries. However, not all places and people have seen equal success; more than two-thirds of the 773 million illiterate people in the world are women. The pandemic has been a further shock to literacy, with massive disruptions to formal education.
💡 But the importance of reading and writing transcends everyday tasks like shopping, working, democracy, and traveling. Reading and writing are also a major part of storytelling—and storytelling makes the world go ‘round (including in innovation!).
As we escape into stories, we stretch our awareness and our empathy. Our brains assemble words into theaters where we play out thought experiments of the past, present and especially the future. How did/could that thing happen? What would I do? How will I feel? And the best question of all …
What if?
Writing has further power: to triage, organize, interrogate, and transform the endless deluge of our thoughts in blessed privacy. As the American author Flannery O’Connor said, “I write to discover what I know.” I write to slow down, to give myself permission to dig in until I’ve come to an understanding … or until I start hitting the delete key.
September 8 is UNESCO’s Literacy Day, it invites us to reimagine where and how “literacy” happens.
💡 Schools are magical places. But there’s also magic in informal spaces and the outdoors. As I’ve described before, realizing that the whole world is our learning space empowers us to always be curious—which is the key to lifelong learning and resilience in the world of tomorrow.
That’s why I agree with Napoleon: “Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world."
About Tiffany
Dr. Tiffany Vora speaks, writes, and advises on how to harness technology to build the best possible future(s). She is an expert in biotech, health, & innovation.
For a full list of topics and ways to collaborate, visit Tiffany’s Work Together webpage.
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After a 19-day voyage to Antarctica aboard The Island Sky in November 2023, Tiffany has many remarkable stories to share & a wealth of insights to catalyze a sustainable future.
You can support her ongoing journey by making a contribution through her donation page. Your support will spread positive impact around the world, empower Tiffany to protect time for impact-focused projects, and support logistical costs for pro bono events with students & nonprofits.