It requires a depth of reading inspired by thoughtfulness, as well as inquisitiveness. In order to get wisdom, slow reading is necessary: a careful, deliberate inculcation of timeless truths.

Simply sign up to the Life & Arts myFT Digest -- delivered directly to your inbox. My job as a book critic used to elicit envy at cocktail parties, with people fantasising about a life spent reading.

The easy dopamine hit of social media can make reading feel more effortful by comparison. But the rewards are worth the extra effort: regular readers report higher wellbeing and life satisfaction ...