>>508132292
>>508132635

how exactly would reading a book help you in being an independent thinker?
Reading doesn't inherently make you smarter or more independent. Same as watching a movie alone or with a friend doesn't make you smarter or more independent.

The capacity to formulate independent thoughts is something a person either has, or doesn't have, and it doesn't matter what is the source of the material he formulates those thoughts around. Be it a book or someone's word of mouth.