Hey there!
Yes there are untold benefits in fostering a reading culture, whether within a localised community or nation-wide.
The best benefits are not just related to employment or marketability. In a sense, they cannot be quantified. Success may result from being well-read, but that shouldn't be the reason why we should encourage people to read.
In my opinion, the most important benefit is that it aids in our personal growth as individuals. By reading, we gain more insight into the different cultures of the world. Reading works of fiction (i.e. novels, plays) or non-fiction (i.e. history, biographies) exposes us to perspectives that differ from our own. This translates into more empathy and sensitivity, whilst guarding against parochialism.
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