I know I’ve written on this topic before, how reading an
hour each day can make us all more effective in what we do. I’ve even highlighted prison inmates, who
faced with nothing but time on their hands devour every book they can find and
therefore come off as highly educated individuals when interviewed on MSNBC.
This past week here in Maryland, the trial of John Allen
Muhammad continued and observers remarked at the metamorphosis of this
already-convicted killer. (Muhammad and his teenaged companion Lee Boyd Malvo
were convicted for a rash of sniper-styled killings in 2001). No longer the
brooding, silent defendant he was at his first trial in Virginia, he now
carries with him a stack of legal papers, shuffling them purposefully at the
defense table. He speaks the language of law, begging the "court's
indulgence" and asking that a "continuous objection" be noted
for the record.
Now he’ll most likely be convicted again, and while we can
never excuse his crimes, it is interesting how his mannerisms have
changed. Makes me wonder how he
educated himself. I’m pretty sure it
had to do with reading.
If you know me or have heard me speak, you know I’m
passionate about reading. If Mr.
Muhammad indeed has gained his legal expertise from books, (and I don’t have
any reason to think otherwise – of course he could be watching regular reruns
of Law and Order), then it proves my point.
What does that mean for you? Pick up a book and start reading - and I don’t mean fictional
stuff either. Try biographies if there
aren’t any technical or business books that interest you. If you want to be excellent at work, have a
successful business, or simply grow as a person, this is your ticket.
Mr. Muhammad will have many more years to read his books but
it will gain him nothing behind bars. You have much more to look forward to. I’m excited to hear your success stories!
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