Would the world be full of understanding people if they read more good books? Well, of course, it would! Reading is one activity that broadens people’s perspectives and makes them more empathetic.
Reading a good fiction book can directly affect people’s thinking, as these stories are solely based on imagination. So, one part of it also depends on the reader’s perspective and how well they can connect to the story. However, sometimes, readers get judgmental due to a particular perspective. However, reading more fiction-based books helps widen the ability to think creatively and cleverly.
Comment
byu/Aravoid0 from discussion
inaskscience
Reading fiction broadens perspective by allowing people to experience things in their imagination that are beyond their thinking. With more exploration of literary fiction, one better understands the tales and meanings behind them. Also, people start to conclude the next phase of the story and make a synopsis, which shows that they are trying to understand the concept based on their perspective and mindfulness.
Trying to get a deep understanding of fictional stories makes people relate to the characters and the story’s plot, which obliges them to embrace it like a real story. This leads to increased empathy for the characters as they feel mentally and emotionally connected to them.
Until the ending is known, people try to understand the character’s emotional, social, and mental demands, choices, and situations. They try to put themselves in the character’s shoes to understand everything better. And this is what makes this reading journey exciting and enlightening.
Comment
byu/Aravoid0 from discussion
inaskscience
Getting attached to story characters can change how we see things in real life. But here’s the thing: empathy, which is about understanding and sharing others’ feelings, isn’t just a concept. It’s a natural emotion that comes from our feelings inside. So, if we don’t connect with a character on an emotional level, it’s hard to feel empathy for them.
Comment
byu/Aravoid0 from discussion
inaskscience
One thing that must be remembered is that understanding can be theoretical, but empathy is genuine and comes from the heart, not from one’s conscious mind.
What links fiction and empathy is the fact that reading fiction allows people to explore the circumstances of the character more. The more you explore something, the more you learn, and the more your perception becomes wide.
Comment
byu/Aravoid0 from discussion
inaskscience
Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This phrase is so true, as fiction is a story that comes from one’s imagination. It reveals many truths and viewpoints from different perspectives that one may not realize in reality due to encountering limited situations.
We are all bound to our viewpoints, whereas reading fiction allows us to explore other people’s opinions and perspectives. This makes us more understanding of each situation and fills us with deep empathy for other people, especially in their real lives. So, yes, it can be concluded that reading fiction enhances empathy and understanding of people.
Last Updated on by Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi
