Followers of my blog might already know how I feel about literature – it’s important and we should all read more of it! But even if you’re not convinced, please bear with me and keep reading to the end. You might just change your mind. And if you do, that’s great! Maybe then you’ll share your newfound love of literature with others and lead them down the path to enlightenment as well… or at least encourage them to give it a try! That would make me very happy indeed. Here are 10 reasons why literature matters in our society…
10 Reasons Why Literature is Important
1) Learn to write
Reading books allows us to improve our language skills and gain knowledge about new topics. Most people don’t read for fun, but if you want to write professionally, it’s a great way to improve your writing and get a better grasp of what you’re trying to say.
By reading more, you’ll be able to notice structure patterns in different authors’ works and slowly develop your own writing style. But above all else, reading good literature provides wisdom that can only be absorbed by reading great books.
2) Discover the world through language
The study of literature opens up a whole new world of possibilities. By reading novels, short stories, and poems, we can expose ourselves to new perspectives and discover viewpoints other than our own. Reading fiction can help us empathize with different characters or situations.
When we read about something or someone who isn’t like us in some way—whether it’s their situation, personality, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physicality—we open ourselves up to learning more about that group of people; we learn how they live and what they think and feel.
We learn empathy by seeing a life outside our own through words on a page. There are benefits to literary engagement even if you never set foot in an English class!
3) Personal development through books
Many people are aware of how reading can help increase their knowledge. But, you’d be surprised at how powerful it can be when it comes to developing your emotional intelligence and personal habits as well. If you’re interested in self-development, start reading more books; they are full of wisdom that you can use to improve your life.
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Here are some examples: — Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People“ teaches readers time management skills by using principles from Aristotle, Franklin, Socrates and Lincoln—to name a few. — Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People“ shows you different methods for making friends, negotiating conflicts and changing unfavorable conditions into favorable ones in various situations.
4) Explore new cultures and worlds
Reading can transport you to places and times you’ve never visited before, giving you an immersive experience that few other mediums can provide. Even better, literature provides an opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and perspectives without leaving your couch or breaking your budget.
And while our focus tends to be on fiction, reading almost any type of book—including biographies, memoirs, travelogues, and even literary criticism—can give you a broader perspective on life beyond your own experience.
5) Relive your childhood
When we were kids, most of us developed a love for reading. Chances are you can remember your favorite books from childhood and how many times you read them. As an adult, it’s common to lose that love for reading and turn to technology for entertainment. But there’s no better time than now to return to your roots as a bookworm.
6) Gain perspective
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how big our world really is. If you truly want to gain a global perspective, pick up a book from an author who has spent time abroad, or maybe try reading more translations of great works. The new perspectives you’ll gain will help you expand your understanding of others and make you think about things in ways that you may not have before.
7) Understand yourself better
One of literature’s primary goals is to help us understand ourselves better, and for that reason, it should be cherished. Understanding where we come from can make all the difference in how we view ourselves and our place in society.
Whether you’re reading a novel about a Jewish man living in Nazi Germany or a young girl growing up in modern America, literature can help us make sense of who we are as people and where we fit into our world. Now more than ever, fiction writers are using their medium to challenge old ideals and introduce new perspectives.
The more readers learn about themselves—their fears, their desires, their doubts—the more they can realize they aren’t alone with these feelings.
8) Improve your memory
A high-school English teacher once told me that if I wanted to write, I had to read. It was a good piece of advice, but it wasn’t until many years later when I first came across a story by legendary editor Maxwell Perkins that I really understood what she meant.
Perkins famously worked with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway and found success by engaging both authors on topics beyond their craft, such as travel, food and wine. The more he learned about them as people—their idiosyncrasies, interests and passions—the better he could tailor his editing to meet their needs and improve their work. To improve your memory (and writing), expand your mind by immersing yourself in literature.
9) Break down boundaries with reading challenges
Reading challenges are great ways to go out of your comfort zone with literature. If you’re looking for a way to get started, there are countless websites and reading lists that can help you think outside of your genre comfort zone. For example, if you love Young Adult novels, try reading them without using any romance books; or read two fantasy books within two weeks. In fact, we even have a Reading Challenge right here on Bookopolis!
10) Become a better reader by eliminating distractions.
We all want to be better readers, but it can be hard to focus when you’re surrounded by distractions. Whether it’s the constant notifications of our phones, the temptation to watch television, or even the random conversations we get into with friends, it can be difficult to truly concentrate on a book. That’s why it is important to eliminate distractions if you want to become a better reader.
Start by setting aside time for reading. Whether it’s for an hour a day or just thirty minutes, choose a specific time that you can dedicate to reading and stick to it. This way, you will have a set time each day to completely focus on reading and make progress in your book.
Next, create an environment that promotes reading. Choose a place where you won’t be easily distracted, such as a cozy corner of your room or a quiet spot in your home library. Make sure you turn off any distractions, like your phone and television. You can also bring something cozy to the spot, like a blanket or a comfortable chair, to make your reading experience more enjoyable.
Finally, find ways to stay focused while you read. This may mean taking breaks every few pages, or writing down notes or ideas that come up while you read. Additionally, find ways to motivate yourself. Create a reward system so that when you reach a certain milestone in your book, you get a treat or do something fun!
By following these steps, you can eliminate distractions and become a better reader. Dedicating yourself to reading and creating an environment that promotes it will help you focus and make progress in your books. So don’t let distractions hold you back from reaching your goals—eliminate them and enjoy the wonderful world of literature!
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