The Scientific Proof

Scientists conducted a 20 year study in 27 countries, which is pretty darn huge! Massive, even. The study and its results make me happy.

The study found that the number of books in a family's home has a greater determining factor on how much education a child will get than anything else.

Anything!


Before this study, scientists believed the education level of the parents was the greatest determining factor. But get this: having books in the home is twice as important as the father’s education level.

It's more important than what country the child was born in.
It's more important than the father's occupation.
It's more important than the country's political system. Or its gross domestic product.

The study found that, “Having as few as 20 books in the home still has a significant impact on propelling a child to a higher level of education, and the more books you add, the greater the benefit.”

And having a 500 book library in your home versus having no books is the same as the parents having a university education versus having a 2nd grade education. Can you even believe that?


So what does it mean? Well, lots of things, but two that are pretty great.

First, if you have kids, ever plan to have kids, or are a kid yourself, you have a great excuse to go buy more books!

And you can tell parents (either now if you already have a book published, or later if you don't yet), "Buy my book and your kid will go to college!"

:o)