You may regret being literate if you are a regular reader of my blogs and yearn for the days when colouring-in and looking at pictures made you happy. But you wanted to learn and then once you knew how, you continue to want to learn more, and reading is the key to the chamber of genius.

I am fighting the doom and gloom with the shafts of light that are happening, but when you are not illuminated by them you think they do not exist at all. Well, they do! So here is the first of some helpful reminders of how it's getting better all the time.

Global Rate of Literacy

Since 1976, global literacy rates have been increasing. The data starts in this year which I can only assume is due to the books published in 1975, including:

Danny Champion of the World - Roal Dahl - for well over 30 years this was the only book my brother had ever read. It is a cracker. It may still be the only one he has read?

Factotum - Charles Bukowski - I love the stories of Chinaski, they speak to my inner beatnik. Read them, you'll like them and feel a bit dirty for doing so.

Anyway, this isn't a fictional book review, it's "stats 'n' facts" to give you some optimistic enlightenment for your dreams as it simultaneously bores you to sleep.

Since 1976, global literacy rates have increased at a rate of about 0.45% a year from 67% to 87% in 2019. That is an extra 20% of the world that can read and write.

Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope

- Kofi Annan

Go here to review them all:

https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WLD/world/literacy-rate

Is this a big deal Steve? Are you hoping it will increase your circulation?

I'd be over the moon if 20 people read this let alone 2% of the global population! So, no. But, it is important because it means:

• The great minds of the world that are the giants on which we all stand upon, are more likely to be able to contribute to global improvements in society etc. Einstein wouldn't have been able to do anything if no one sat him down with "Janet und John" and taught him to read.

• Progress of ideas is made by those ideas running through as many minds as possible and then being improved upon incrementally.

• Literacy is what helps people raise their standard of living. Some minds can help the global population, some minds can help a few people and some minds are only able to help themselves. Whichever one you are, literacy has helped you raise yourself and maybe some others.

  Literacy is not a luxury; it is a right and a responsibility. If the world is to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, then we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens.

  Bill Clinton

With these rises, which are continuing, it seems the world is harnessing that energy and creativity, and long may it continue until it is 100%.