Yes! I should have specified that books were especially a refuge for me then, but of course they remain so today.

I think what we're seeing here is a blatant attempt to reinforce a system of an undereducated underclass being conditioned as worker cogs. Cogs don't need to read, expand their horizons, see the bigger picture, or otherwise be fully engaged with society. They just need to show up for work on time, obey their bosses without argument or complaint, then go home and "behave" so they're ready for their next shift.