Why Books Offer More Authentic Knowledge Than Articles

As a developer and maker, I’ve always been fascinated by anything that combines logic with creativity. The harder a concept is to grasp, the more determined I become to understand it.

Over the past eight years, I’ve cultivated the habit of reading 10–15 articles daily. This practice has been invaluable in keeping me informed, yet it often leaves me feeling unsatisfied, like something is missing. Strangely, this contrasts sharply with my school days, when I would spend hours poring over books on computers and technology—even outdated ones—and feel far more fulfilled. (To clarify, this isn’t a debate about digital articles versus physical books.)

Curious to understand why, I decided to change my approach and started a new habit:

Reading books – Just a few pages in the morning and a few more in the evening. I don’t set rigid goals, but I aim to finish about two non-fiction books per month, each averaging 200 pages.

This simple change has been incredibly rewarding. But why does reading books feel so much more satisfying than articles?

Observations: Why Books Feel Better

I’ve come to realize that the difference lies in how our brains process information. Here are the key reasons:

1. We Skim, Not Read

Most of us skim online content—whether it’s articles, news, or blogs—searching for specific information. Over time, this habit conditions our brains to associate certain formats, like articles, with "skimming mode."

Books, however, require a deeper level of engagement. Their format and structure encourage a slower, more immersive reading experience.

2. Volatile vs. Persistent Information

Online content is fleeting. A valuable article may disappear into the void of the internet or be replaced by newer trends. In contrast, books have permanence. You can revisit a book years later, reread a section, and immediately reconnect with the knowledge and insights it offers.

3. Authenticity Matters

Many online articles are optimized for search engines rather than for providing genuine value. Even when the content is authentic, the pressure to cater to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) metrics often dilutes its depth.

Books, on the other hand, represent years of research, effort, and personal investment by their authors. This authenticity enhances their credibility and impact.

4. Effort Shapes Quality

Writing and publishing an article is relatively easy—it can often be completed in hours or days. A book, however, undergoes rigorous planning, editing, and scrutiny before it’s published. Its permanence forces the author to strive for accuracy, depth, and meaningful content.

5. Thematic Depth and Organization

Books are thematically cohesive, diving deep into a single topic. This structured approach helps readers form stronger connections with the material, making it easier to retain and recall.

The Irony of Articles

Here’s the irony: This is an article. However, I believe articles still hold value if they are crafted thoughtfully and with purpose. The key lies in avoiding the pitfalls of shallow, SEO-driven content.

How to Make Articles Meaningful

Prioritize Value Over SEO
Avoid creating clickbait or churning out low-quality content solely for visibility. Articles should aim to inform, inspire, or innovate—not just rank on Google.
Focus on Original Insights
A good article should provide unique perspectives or organize information effectively. Merely paraphrasing existing content adds little value.
Refer to Trustworthy Sources
Always rely on credible and official sources. For instance, in programming, the official documentation (even if not user-friendly) is far more reliable than most third-party tutorials.

Conclusion: Books as Pillars of Knowledge

While articles have their place in today’s fast-paced digital world, books remain unmatched in their ability to deliver authentic, enduring, and deeply satisfying knowledge.

Books demand more time and effort from both the writer and the reader—and that’s exactly what makes them so rewarding.