Is reading fiction a waste of time?
An Unexpected Encounter at 30,000 Feet
I was finally on a flight to my long-awaited vacation. As I settled into my seat, I noticed a young boy and his mother seated next to me. The boy held a copy of The Hobbit in his hands, completely engrossed in the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. My heart warmed at the sight; The Hobbit is one of my favorite books that I read as a child and remained a cherished part of my library. Coincidentally, I had just brought along my newly acquired deluxe hardcover illustrated edition of the same book, eagerly anticipating a nostalgic re-read during the flight.
Just as I reached into my backpack to retrieve my copy, I overheard the boy’s mother say in a stern voice- “Why are you wasting your time reading fiction?” she admonished her son. “You should be reading self improvement books. Those books can actually help you develop better habits and get better at academics.”
The boy protested, insisting that he loved the story and found it exciting. A brief back-and-forth ensued, with the mother arguing the merits of self-improvement books and the boy stubbornly clutching his novel. Eventually, the mother sighed in resignation and let him continue reading. Then, turning to me, she remarked with an air of exasperation, “Kids these days...” Her expression seemed to suggest that she obviously expected me to side with her.
Being the non-confrontational person I am, I silently slipped back my copy of The Hobbit into my backpack, then I simply nodded with a smile, feigning agreement while silently, disagreeing with her in my mind. Her words lingered in my mind, and I found myself questioning whether her perspective held any truth. Was reading fiction truly a waste of time?
In a world where productivity and measurable outcomes dominate our perception of success, reading fiction often gets dismissed as a frivolous pastime. Critics argue that it’s escapism at best, a distraction from real-world responsibilities and pursuits. Self improvement books are no doubt very important tools to better oneself and in fact i the past few years as I kept growing older I started unconsciously shifting to reading more self improvement books than fiction. However, I believe that reading fiction is far from a waste of time. In fact, it is a profoundly enriching activity that fosters maturity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Maturity Through Experience, Not Age
Maturity is often mistaken for something that comes with age, but in truth, it stems from the breadth and depth of our experiences. Life, unfortunately, is too short to experience everything firsthand. This is where fiction plays a transformative role. Each time I read a well-crafted novel, I am transported into the lives of its characters, experiencing their triumphs, struggles, temptations, and failures. Through these journeys, I gain insights into the complexities of human behavior, the nuances of decision-making, and the intricacies of relationships. Fiction allows us to live a thousand lives while walking in someone else’s shoes—a luxury that real life rarely affords. It constantly broaden’s my perceptions.
Empathy: The Gift of Understanding Others
Empathy is an essential human skill, yet it can be challenging to cultivate in the hustle of daily life. Fiction offers a unique and powerful way to develop this capacity. When we read, we don’t just observe characters from a distance; we inhabit their minds. We feel their pain, joy, fear, and love. This immersive experience bridges gaps between people who may differ from us in culture, background, or beliefs.
For instance, reading a novel about someone living in a war-torn country can open our eyes to struggles we may never personally face. It shifts our perspective from detached sympathy to genuine empathy, helping us better understand the emotions and motivations of others. This newfound understanding enriches our interactions with people in the real world, making us more compassionate and considerate.
Learning Through Fun and Subconscious Absorption
One of the most beautiful aspects of learning through fiction is how effortless it is. Unlike textbooks or instructional material, which demand focus and discipline, learning through fiction is effortless because it happens as a natural by-product of you being engrossed in your favorite character’s life. We are not consciously aware of the lessons we are absorbing as we turn the pages of a gripping novel, yet these lessons take root in our minds, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
Take, for example, stories that explore resilience and courage. Reading about characters who overcome immense challenges can inspire us to face our own difficulties with determination. Similarly, tales of friendship, loyalty, and love subtly influence how we value and nurture our relationships. All of this learning happens subconsciously, making it a seamless and pleasurable experience.
Beyond helping us understand others, fiction also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own flaws, strengths, and desires. When we see a character make mistakes or struggle with insecurities, we often recognize parts of ourselves in them. This self-awareness can be profoundly transformative, enabling us to grow and evolve in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.
Personally, I read a lot of fiction in my childhood and I believe this helped shape my personality and made me more mature empathetic and gentle.
Of course! I said none of this to the young boy’s mother as it was not my place to do so however it made feel resolved to introduce and encourage my future kids to the wonderful world of fiction.