“Literature†is broad, but most people describe it as writing with lasting artistic, cultural, and intellectual significance. Literature includes ancient Greek plays, James Baldwin’s essays, Shakespeare’s soliloquies, and Charlotte Bronte’s novels. This kind of writing deals with complex ideas and issues, encouraging readers to entertain new forms of thinking. There are numerous reasons one should strive to read literature. Some of the reasons are; the provision of pleasure, information, a building of experience, provoking of thought, entertainment, or even imparting feelings of empathy besides the power to infer other peoples’ opinions. There are, thus, many benefits of reading literature, as illustrated below.
Literature is a Powerful Stress Reliever
It’s no secret to readers that literature can relieve anxiety and stress. Studies show it can slow down a rapid heartbeat, a common sign of anxiety, and take a reader’s mind off racing thoughts. Taking time out of the hectic day to sit back and get lost in good literature does wonder for a stressed mind.
Reading Literature Improves Focus and Concentration
If a person stumbles with a short attention span, reading can help enhance that function. The research found that the brain needs more time when reading than other media types. There’s less to work with – only words – so the brain works harder. The need for focus increases as a book becomes more challenging or complex. The more a reader engages with good literature, the more their focus increases.
Reading Literature Keeps the Brain Healthy and Active
Reading’s effect on brain health shouldn’t be overlooked. The brain is a muscle, and by exercising it, a person keeps it healthy and active. Research indicates that regular mental stimulation can slow down degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Stretching the imagination and enhancing concentration are both forms of mental stimulation.
Literature Expands a Person’s Vocabulary
Unlike magazines or books for light reading, literature usually contains challenging vocabulary. Older books, in particular, might have terminology that’s unfamiliar to many readers. By engaging with literature by John Galsworthy, a person widens their knowledge of new words and terms. For those learning a new language, literature is one of the best ways to enhance their skills.
Literature Improves a Person’s Writing and Communication Skills
Good communication is vital in every area of life, whether it’s in a career or in relationships. When a reader improves their writing through reading, they enrich their overall communication skills. This expands beyond appealing writing into regular interactions and conversations. Exposure to literature at a young age allows people to develop strong communication skills immediately. Adults can enhance their abilities with more reading.
Literature Encourages Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is crucial for life. It allows people to work through problems and decide what’s true. Reading literature provides the ideal opportunity for building critical thinking skills. A reader has to choose details, make connections, and form their own opinions on what’s going on in the book. Teachers often use literature to help their students develop strong critical thinking. It helps them comprehend the material better and offers them tools to use in their future careers. A speech on happiness with positive and inspiring content elevates the soul for contributing to something greater than yourself.
Literature Teaches Readers About the History
They say if we don’t know about history, we’re doomed to repeat it. Through the lens of literature, a reader can uniquely engage with history. It’s much more enjoyable than studying a timeline or remembering facts. Even if the book is fictional and doesn’t focus on a particular event, a reader is exposed to perspectives from the time of the text’s creation. Literature from predictions in Macbeth identifies the depth of Shakespeare’s imaginative power that excels all boundaries to draw the best artistry in literature.