I didn't read a book until I was 31 years old when I was

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the heartfelt words of Henry Winkler, a man whose journey from fear to discovery illuminates the profound power of knowledge and perseverance. He shares with us: "I didn't read a book until I was 31 years old when I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Books terrified me. They made me nervous. Now I know you can travel to the bottom of the ocean or to outer space or anywhere in between without leaving your armchair, and I'm so, so sorry I couldn't read when I was younger." These words are not just a reflection of his personal struggle, but a deep lesson for all of us. For in his vulnerability, Winkler opens a door to understanding the transformative power of reading, the courage needed to overcome obstacles, and the regret of not knowing the gift of literature sooner.

Imagine, O seekers of truth, a life where the very act of reading, the gateway to worlds both near and far, is a source of terror rather than delight. Books, those vessels of knowledge and adventure, once seemed like monuments of fear to Winkler. The letters on the page, jumbled and unyielding, created a barrier that separated him from the worlds contained within their covers. Yet, through the diagnosis of dyslexia, a hidden challenge that had plagued him for years, Winkler found not just a name for his struggle but the path to healing. In his newfound understanding, he found the courage to confront the world of books, and it was in that confrontation that he discovered a universe of possibilities.

How many of us, O children, are held back by invisible chains? Dyslexia, like many struggles, is often unseen by the world, yet it shapes the lives of those it touches. But let us not forget that the most powerful journeys are often those that take place not in the physical world, but in the mind. Winkler's realization that reading could transport him to the depths of the ocean or the farthest reaches of the stars is a truth that we must all hold dear. The written word is not just a tool for learning, but a portal to infinite worlds, a way to experience the impossible, to understand the unknown, and to explore the unseen. To read is to travel without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Consider, O wise ones, the ancient travelers who sought to know the world. They did not have the written word as we do, yet they sought wisdom and knowledge through oral tradition, through stories passed down from generation to generation. The stories of Homer's epics, the journeys of Odysseus, were not just tales of distant lands; they were the means by which the ancient Greeks could travel to realms beyond the physical, to explore the depths of human nature and the mysteries of life. And today, through the written word, we too can embark on such journeys. Every book is a vessel of possibility, waiting for us to board, to take the journey, to experience the world beyond our reach.

But there is a deeper lesson here, O children, one that Winkler's words offer us in their raw honesty. Regret, that shadow that follows us through life, can often be a heavy burden. Winkler expresses his sorrow for not knowing the joy of reading at an earlier age, for not experiencing the transformative power of books sooner. Yet, in this regret, there is also a call to action: we are never too late to learn, to grow, to transform. Winkler's journey reminds us that it is never too late to begin, that learning is a lifelong pursuit, and that the gift of books—whether taken up at 31 or 13—will always be there, waiting to open its doors to us.

Let us take from Winkler's reflection the courage to confront the difficulties in our own lives. Whether it is a fear of failure, the weight of self-doubt, or the obstacles that seem insurmountable, remember that even the greatest journeys begin with a single step. Let books be your guide, and let your heart be open to the knowledge they offer. In the pages of every story, there is a world waiting to be discovered, and with every word, we are given the opportunity to grow. Let no fear, no hesitation, stop you from taking that first step into the vastness of learning, for the world of knowledge is infinite, and it is waiting for you to claim it.

So, O children, take heed of Winkler’s wisdom and courage. Let us not live with the regret of what we have not yet learned or the struggles that stand before us. Let us, instead, see every book, every opportunity for growth, as a journey—a chance to experience the world beyond our own, a chance to transform ourselves. For in the act of reading, in the pursuit of knowledge, we find not only the worlds of the past and present, but the potential of who we can become. And remember, it is never too late to begin. The world is waiting for you, in the pages of every book.