Why read? Literary Wanderers on the power of reading

What if a single book could change the way you see the world? Every page opens a new doorway, and every conversation brings a fresh perspective. Reading isn't just a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for self-discovery and human connection. 

At Parami University, that exact belief drives the Literary Wanderers (Lit Wan) Club. This student-led club helps students embrace reading as a lifelong habit. Beyond the classroom, the club offers space to exchange views, spark curiosity, and think critically. From Myanmar classics to global literature, Lit Wan's invites students to explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives through diverse activities.

Reflecting on the club’s vision, Dr. Will Buckingham, Club Advisor, shared, “While reading undoubtedly has an instrumental value, what impresses me about Lit Wan is how the project keeps hold of a broader, more open-ended human vision of what it means to engage with literature. This open-endedness is reflected in the idea of ‘wandering’ that lies at the heart of the project.”

According to Club President Mozart Brang, Literary Wanderers gives students a space to put Parami’s liberal arts values into practice. “By reading and discussion, we are able to do so as a small society within Parami University, connecting with liberal arts and intellectual reasoning while delicately shifting our perspectives through empathetic understanding.” Extending these core values beyond campus, club members drew inspiration from global leaders such as U Thant and Nelson Mandela, reflecting on how reading empowers youth, sparks curiosity, and supports lifelong growth.

U Thant, a Burmese national and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations, once famously said, “A reading nation progresses, and a progressive nation reads.” (စာဖတ်သော လူမျိုးသည် တိုးတက်၍ တိုးတက်သော လူမျိုးသည် စာဖတ်ကြသည်။)

“Although this vision has yet to be fully realized in Myanmar due to many challenges, the importance of reading remains undeniable,” said Literary Wanderers members.

Reading strengthens critical thinking, supports lifelong learning, and helps us better understand ourselves and others. It develops both knowledge and empathy—the ability to think deeply and connect meaningfully with the world around us.

Reflecting on this idea, the club members shared Nelson Mandela’s words: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”

Rooted in the belief that reading shapes both intellect and empathy, the Literary Wanderers set out to build a space where these values could thrive.

Over the past academic year, Literary Wanderers created opportunities for students to experience reading as a shared journey. Through reading discussions, guest sessions, publishing house visits, and creative collaborations such as “Behind the Pages” and “Pages & Play: Yangon Zoo Quest,” the club connected literature with storytelling, imagination, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Supported by its student leadership team—President Mozart Brang, Vice-President Thuta Kyi Thar, Treasurer May Phuu Thwel, Secretary Lin Htet Oo, and Supporter Htet Woon Yan—the club continues to build a community where students can learn from books and from one another.

Beyond reading, the club’s impact is reflected in the experiences of students who find inspiration, connection, and new ways of thinking through its discussions.

Aung Chit Thae Ko, a third-year student and active club participant, shared, “Literary Wanderers is best for knowledge seekers who want to experience fun discussion and learning, and challenging perspectives. Thought into discussion, time into memory, and life into growth. What a good time with Lit Wan.”

Drawing from their discussions and favorite works, the Literary Wanderers Club members share five essential habits to help anyone who would love to read deeper and retain more.

1. Start with what interests you. Choose books that spark your curiosity.

2. Read with others. Sharing ideas through discussion can make reading more meaningful.

3. See reading as a learning skill. Books strengthen critical thinking and expand our understanding of the world.

4. Choose books intentionally. Some books are meant to be explored quickly, while others deserve deeper reflection.

5. Keep reading throughout your life. Every page offers a new opportunity to learn, grow, and discover.

Interested in exploring their journey further? Explore the Literary Wanderers’ Annual Report to discover the stories, discussions, and ideas they explored throughout the past academic year.