A surprising survey has pinpointed the hobby that people find most attractive in others. National Rail questioned 2,000 adults about the interests they admire most, and reading came out on top. It edged out learning a new language, meditation, and photography as the trait that makes someone seem especially appealing. The results show that intellectual and thoughtful pursuits now carry a strong social allure.
Books are enjoying a clear comeback in popularity. Creative writing placed ninth in the rankings, while listening to audiobooks landed at eleventh. Nearly thirty percent of those surveyed plan to set a personal reading goal for the year, such as finishing one book each week or month. This renewed enthusiasm highlights a wider desire for meaningful ways to spend free time.
Reading offers powerful benefits for the mind. It keeps the brain active, sharpens memory, and strengthens concentration. The habit also serves as an effective stress reliever by providing an immediate escape from daily pressures. Unlike screens, a book before bed helps the body relax and improves sleep quality.
Stories transport readers to far-off places and different eras without ever leaving home. Through characters’ experiences, people naturally develop greater empathy and a better understanding of others’ emotions. The act of imagining scenes and faces sparks creativity in ways that movies cannot match. Vocabulary grows effortlessly, and communication skills improve over time.
The flexibility of reading makes it easy to fit into any schedule. A book can travel anywhere, turning waiting time or commutes into enjoyable moments. It delivers endless knowledge, whether from novels, biographies, or expert works. Above all, a book becomes a reliable companion that entertains, comforts, or teaches whenever needed.
People turn to new hobbies for several common reasons. Many want to feel more creative or learn a fresh skill. Others simply aim to make better use of their leisure hours. The biggest barrier remains lack of time, though a quarter of respondents seek activities that help them disconnect from screens.
Younger generations show distinct preferences. Gen Z leans toward calm, focused pursuits like sewing, crocheting, and coloring books. These hands-on, offline activities align with a growing wish to step away from digital overload. Millennials, by contrast, often return to familiar classics such as knitting, chess, and traditional board games that evoke childhood memories while offering social or measurable progress.
The same survey ranked the twenty most admired hobbies overall. Reading secured first place, followed by learning a language, cooking, gardening, yoga, and photography. Meditation, watching films, creative writing, and running rounded out the top ten. Further down the list appeared listening to audiobooks, hiking, soccer, sketching, online gaming, Pilates, board games, crocheting, puzzles, and sewing.
Reading has long been recognized for its wide-ranging effects on personal development. Regular readers tend to show higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence compared to non-readers. The practice also supports lifelong cognitive health by building mental reserve against age-related decline. Across cultures and centuries, books remain one of the most accessible tools for self-education and imagination.
Hobbies in general contribute to well-being by fostering purpose and relaxation. They provide opportunities to build skills, connect with others, or simply enjoy quiet moments. Whether intellectual or hands-on, a fulfilling pastime can enhance both daily life and how others perceive us. The simple act of carrying a book signals curiosity and depth that many find quietly magnetic.
What hobby do you think makes someone especially attractive, and have you noticed reading having that effect on how people see you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
