I really feel for people who have never learned to read and write. Over the year's I've derived enormous pleasure from books!
I agree!  I love reading and couldn't imagine not being able to.  Most people can read though, right?
It's surprising  how many adults are barely literate. Mind you, the modern meaning of being literate now includes such things as the ability to use numbers, computers and other basic skills to communicate.
That's interesting.  I did not know that number were included.  Is there an estimate of literacy in the US?
As usual, there's no one definition! The numbers seem to depend on which particular definition of literacy is used.
That makes sense.  I would imagine it is more of an issue with 3rd world countries than the US anyways.
It's getting better in OECD countries. The concept of literacy there now includes access to knowledge through technology.
What does OECD stand for?  I have never heard of that.
he Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It's a collection of 35 governments and the organization was founded to stimulate economic growth and trade. It also takes account of literacy.