Why Read Literature?
Lately I have been fascinated with literature and cannot help but admire the recurring themes that are explored in the pages of a book — about personal transformation, navigating changes in one’s own environment and going on difficult journeys, literally and figuratively speaking- and how these themes run parallel to the challenges, roadblocks and obstacles that we encounter throughout the phases of our lives. A good literature and story holds the mirror to navigating these situations and help us make sense of it all, providing us a way to develop the resilient mindset.
Literature helps us to learn to reframe a challenging situation in a way that propels you forward and not weigh you down. The protagonist in every story takes action or a set of actions, in order to overcome the challenges on his way. What is a better way to learn that ultimately, it’s you who control the narrative of your own story !
It’s fascinating for me to observe that all the protagonists in any narrative that follows the classical ‘hero’s journey’ story arc seem to lead a high energy life — taking actions, overcoming obstacles and reaching the goals they set out for. Undoubtedly, you need high personal energy and high self-agency to create your own way forward in life. Suffering is part of this transformative journey, as Leo Tolstoy wrote — “A man who does not understand the benefit of suffering does not live a clever and true life.”
Reading helps foster empathy, inspire creativity and increases our imagination to navigate through this world and our life. Read everyday !
