In Roald Dahl's book "Matilda," the character Harry Wormwood expresses a rather dismissive view on the value of reading by claiming that television offers everything one might learn from books. This perspective highlights a common debate about the relative merits of different forms of media, particularly the contrast between reading literature and consuming visual entertainment.

Wormwood's statement reflects a broader societal tendency to prioritize instant gratification and passive consumption over the deeper engagement that books require. While television can provide immediate enjoyment and information, books often cultivate critical thinking and imagination, showcasing the unique benefits that literature brings to personal development and understanding.