Oh, no argument on the fact that reading is extremely useful. I read too. In expressing the balance between reading and collaborating, I felt that your article emphasized too much on reading - but I fully recognize that you do collaborate.

>>"I can read a book faster than I can speak or hear words."

I disagree that this is an argument in favor of reading. Reading is easier but I think its not always as high in quality as collaborating.

>> "Reading one (or two) such books will make discussions with the experts much more productive."

Totally agree. I try my best to read as much with the end goal being picking the brains of my colleagues.