diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 909bc9a..1e22075 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -31,6 +31,23 @@ command line (see *Usage* section of this README). Objects will be placed in the
 directory `BUILD_DIR/obj/`, and the `TARGET` will be placed at
 `BUILD_DIR/$(TARGET)`.
 
+## Why use this tool?
+
+`mgen` offers distinct advantages over other, more complex build systems. These
+include:
+
+1. **Simplicity.** There are no special languages to learn, extra configuration
+   files, and countless features that you won't ever use. Of course, if you need
+   those things, there are other options available; that is not the space `mgen`
+   intends to occupy.
+1. **Extensibility.** Because `mgen` adds to your existing makefile, you can
+   write your own build rules in a language you already know: make. Your custom
+   rules can use the ones generated by `mgen`, or you can just use the generated
+   ones; it's up to you, `mgen` gives you that option.
+1. **Portability.** Once the makefile is generated, it can be run on any machine
+   that runs `make`. Your users do not have to have `mgen` to compile your
+   program, they can just use the generated makefile.
+
 ## Usage
 
 ```