You don't read, typically, for fact-ness. The more facts you know doesn't mean your mind works better or you're smarter. Those are pretty much separate things.
Books are mostly for comprehension and critical thinking.
The problem with facts is that they're a bit anti-critical thinking. They're just true - there's no debate, or philosophy, or introspection.
Fiction makes you think. About the world, about the future, about yourself, about who you want to be, about what life is about, about why you exist, about love, about injustice, etc. Facts don't really do that.
If I had a kid, I would be tempted to have them play Slay the Spire as a homework assignment, to teach practical arithmetic and critical thinking. (No reading wikis or discussion forums; you have to figure out the best strategies for yourself!)
>About the world, about the future, about yourself, about who you want to be, about what life is about, about why you exist, about love, about injustice, etc.
This statement is also true for movies, TV shows, AskReddit discussions, etc. Yet they don't have the same cultural cachet as fiction.
There's no one stopping you from engaging in critical thought watching a YouTube video either. And some of the most interesting conversations I've had with my partner about the world and relationships have come after watching a TV show or playing a game together. Screens are just another medium folks.
Books are mostly for comprehension and critical thinking.
The problem with facts is that they're a bit anti-critical thinking. They're just true - there's no debate, or philosophy, or introspection.
Fiction makes you think. About the world, about the future, about yourself, about who you want to be, about what life is about, about why you exist, about love, about injustice, etc. Facts don't really do that.