We believe that success lies in solving complex math problems, and science explains every query. We discourage the idea that fiction and fantasy can groom us and help in bringing a change. Growing up, we all enjoyed many fairy tales. From wishing to be as courageous as Simba to joining Hogwarts when the letter arrives, we lost the enthusiasm such art provided us.
But why does the world belittle creative ideas when they need them to move in life? Why do they believe that success comes only through a way they know? Literature is as necessary to life as science. We love to express what we feel. Literature acts as a bridge between people to channel their thoughts.
Hence, we provide you with 15 reasons why literature is important in human life.
15 Benefits of Literature That Highlight Its Significance
Literature fuels our imagination. It interprets our lives. Following aspects of literature will make you realize its importance.
1. Literature Expands The Horizons
Literature is the gateway to see more what eyes can comprehend. We realize how vast the outside world is. We learn and build our instincts. It expands the horizons of thinking for humans.
Reading literature forces the mind to create scenarios in the head. We bring to life the characters we see scribbled on the papers through literature. World Literacy Foundation believes reading to be the best way for developing a vivid imagination.
2. Literature Improves Focus
Humans have an attention span of 8 seconds. With so much information spread throughout various platforms, we cannot focus on one thing for long. Literature helps us build our focus again.
The brain takes more time reading than other forms of media. It must work hard to decipher the meanings and keep the focus. Research confirms that the engagement of the readers boosts concentration. Thus reading literature can do wonders for you!
3. Literature Keeps The Brain Active
The brain is like a muscle. We need to exercise to keep our brain fit.
Apart from concentration, reading literature keeps your brain healthy. It is a form of mental stimulation where you stretch the imagination. It provides you with mental efficiency.
Research shows that people with active brains are less likely to develop brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
4. Literature Relieves Stress
People with the habit of reading are often calm and poised. They relieve their tension by finding an escape in the world of fantasy. Where listening handles stress effectively, studies in Sussex University revealed that six minutes of reading reduced stress by 68%.
Reading can slow the heart rate, efficiently depress anxious feelings and relieve the tension off your shoulders!
Related Video – What Is Literature For? – The School Of Life :
5. Literature Builds Critical Thinking
Humans perceive thoughts and ideas differently. It depends on their set of experiences.
Reading literature promises to provide you with an open mind to the information you consume each day. It expands your thinking, helps you read between the lines. We reach the depth of idea in literature. It polishes our critical thinking.
Working for a solution or finding the truth is essential for life. The critical analysis allows us to assess each aspect. It helps us determine facts.
6. Literature Enhances Vocabulary
Magazines and books are for light-reading. They often contain challenging vocabulary with only words common in use now. Literature, on the other hand, provides you with old and new semantics. It broadens the knowledge, adding many phrases and words in your dictionary.
Literature is the best way to start learning a new language as it provides you with the best it has to offer.
7. Literature Improves Writing Skills
With improved vocabulary comes enhanced expression and better writing skills. Reading is a valuable habit. And reading literature is a cherry on the top. All renowned authors praise reading, claiming its significance for mastering their art.
You learn to write in different styles, learn various expressions, and effectively organize the ideas.
8. Literature Helps In Polishing Communication Skills
Good communication is vital in every area of life. Be it relationships or careers-literature determines how good you are at conveying your ideas. It provides you with the information and how to address it to the audience. You become confident in speaking while stating facts. You learn how to go beyond writing into regular interactions. It impacts your social life.
9. Literature Sparks Empathy
Book reading helps you immerse your mind into another person’s dialogue and experiences. You put yourself in the place of the characters and feel their sentiments on a deeper level. It sparks empathy in you.
You connect with people and try to understand them. They share their thoughts with you and consider you kind.
It helps in building a society. Research at Neuroscience Lab found that people who read fiction regularly are good at discerning other people’s emotions. They tend to realize small changes and help other deal with their emotions.
10. Literature Provides Us An Escape From Reality
The rich literary works bring you to a world full of excitement. We travel realms while sitting in our rooms. It is an amazing experience.
Literature provides an escape route to its readers. It brings them joy. It gives comfort, portrays life at its best for people to wander in any century they want. So if you are having a bad day, grab a book and immerse yourself in your favorite era!
11. Literature Impacts Life
Literature is the foundation of life. Literature adds to the reality of life. It helps us see different perspectives and make our way through life. Biographies of great people, real-life stories of courage and sacrifice inspire the readers. It brings insight to people. They learn a lot.
The art of time involves people emotionally. It impacts the minds and lives of people.
12. Literature Adds Values In The Society
Literature is the best way to describe society. It adds more to what is already present. It portrays the thinking and social norms of a time. It depicts common-man problems.
Literary works bring out imagination and creativity. But it does not follow fiction blindly.
It highlights the needs of life. It influences your society. The moral and ethical values prevalent in society are the work of literature because it serves as food for thought and encourages productive changes.
13. Literature Is A Leap Into Past
There is no doubt that literature connects different eras and realms. People learn history through literary works. It connects past with the present.
We understand cultures through manuscripts and other forms of art. We find guidance in every area of life. They are an asset to humanity. We as humans evolve every day.
Ancient Egypt expressed themselves through paintings, and we find Greeks and Romans writing masterpieces to preserve their history. We cannot deny the power words have. They spark new meanings, give birth to new concepts, and live for eternity.
14. Literature Makes Us Appreciate Other Beliefs
Literature provides fiction, drama, history, and religion. We learn about different regions and their systems.
That is why literature is important because it helps us find out more about their ideas and beliefs. We come to appreciate diversity.
Literary works give us an insight into who we are and what we believe. We come to learn and understand other societies. Hence literature connects the world.
15. Literature Addresses The Humanity
Humans communicate to express themselves. Human interaction is vital for growth. And literature gives us a chance to listen to others through books.
It is through literature we address human nature. It believes in the complexity of the human conflict. Literature surrounds every aspect-honesty, compassion, truthfulness, doubts, and fears. We realize that imperfection is just a state of mind. There is no life without making mistakes because we learn through them.
Hence, this harbors feelings of humanism and sympathy. It creates a sense of purpose for us. Literature reflects humanity.
Importance of Literature – Conclusion
Literature is a necessary factor for growth. It strengthens our minds. It is through poetry and prose we understand life. It gives us the power to think outside the box.
Languages are bridges for communication. Literature binds us together. We find the same sentiments portrayed in different languages and expressions across various races through literary works. It brings feelings of oneness to us.
The idea that literature can make us better is intriguing. It will not be wrong to say that literature adds life to living.
References
- https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/
- https://haskinslabs.org/research-centers/haskins-training-institute/participate-ongoing-studies/memory-and-reading-study
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/preventing-alzheimers-disease.htm
- https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4245076.reading-can-help-reduce-stress-according-to-university-of-sussex-research/
A sophomore in engineering, I’m a budding writer and an adventure enthusiast. My passion leads me on to try my hands on different things. I enjoy music, food, and good company. Making my way through life in my own ways, you’ll find me holding a camera and capturing what this world has to offer.
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