Fiona Kane

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” – Mark Twain

From the moment humans could speak, they told stories. Around fires, in caves, under starlit skies, stories were shared to explain the world, to teach, to entertain, and to connect. Long before ink met parchment, oral storytelling was the lifeblood of culture and community. It was how knowledge survived, how traditions endured, and how people made sense of life’s mysteries. Eventually, these stories were written down, allowing them to transcend time and geography, so others could read, reflect, and reimagine.

Oscar Wilde famously said that the Irish are the greatest storytellers since the Greeks—a sentiment that resonates deeply. Storytelling is not just an art; it is a human necessity. Stories help us understand ourselves and others. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, joys, and questions. Through stories, we share the human experience, weaving threads of empathy and connection across generations.

This week, I’m going to watch Hamnet at the cinema—a film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s beautiful novel, which we read in our staff book club a couple of years ago. The anticipation brings me full circle to my own journey with Shakespeare, starting in school and continuing through my degree at Queen’s University, where I had the privilege of studying his works in depth. One of the most memorable experiences was examining four different folios of Hamlet—each variation offering new insights into meaning and interpretation. That experience reinforced for me the importance of reading not just for academic purposes, but for pleasure, understanding, creativity, and perspective.

Reading opens doors to worlds beyond our own. It allows us to process complex emotions, to imagine possibilities, and to keep an open mind. It cultivates empathy and respect for others’ lived experiences—qualities that feel more essential than ever in today’s world. Stories challenge us, comfort us, and sometimes change us.

I genuinely believe it is incumbent upon all educators, parents, and adults to encourage and nurture reading in every way possible. Thankfully, we have more avenues than ever—printed books, e-books, audiobooks, and even interactive platforms. The format matters less than the act itself. What matters is that we keep the tradition alive, that we continue to pass on the gift of stories to younger generations.

Because in the end, stories are not just entertainment. They are how we make sense of our world, how we connect, and how we remember what it means to be human.