I think you should read for the exact reason given in your last sentence: we are utilitarian and unromantic. Our lack of romanticism is a direct consequence of

I think you should read for the exact reason given in your last sentence: we are utilitarian and unromantic. Our lack of romanticism is a direct consequence of our lack of reading. Instead of spending our time reading great works of literature, we spend all our time reading data and analysis. I know that I spend enormous amounts of my day reading journal articles, blog entries, news reports, etc. I am very "informed" and entertained, but it seems to reduce my overall experience of the world. I don't feel as deeply about things, I don't daydream, I barely even dream at night. I agree with you that reading a book just for information is somewhat ridiculous. In this time period, I can find several articles by several authors that excerpt the information I need, provide bullet point analysis, and bring me up to speed much faster than a multi-chapter book would. However, I can't consume something like Wendell Berry or Jane Austen that way because for their work, the form connects directly with the content. So for that reason, I would say that you should read, but only read because it frees you from your utilitarianism. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble. Read books to feel human.