Importance of Literature
Introduction
At present, a number of individuals deem literature as irrelevant and insignificant and have, as a result, underestimated the aptitude of the subject to stand the test of time and offer immense amounts of knowledge. The extant stigma in the society with regards to subjects implies that individuals who are inclined to math and sciences are highly prone to attain success in life compared to those who are inclined to literature and other subjects. As a result of such views, the world also tends to deem literature as trivial and unimportant. Nevertheless, literature still serves as the important gateway to the knowledge of the past, and enables one to expand both his knowledge and comprehension of the globe. Some of the reasons why literature remains important are discussed as follows.
Discussion
According to Carter and John (375), literature is vital as it contributes to the reality by not just proffering a description to it. That is, literature tends to enrich the essential competencies that everyday life needs and offers, and, for that reason, literature irrigates the various deserts that human lives have become. Moreover, Gilmour (281) considers books as the civilization carriers, devoid of which, literature is dumb, speculations and thoughts remain at standstill, history is silent and science becomes crippled. Literature offers learners and other individuals a leap into events that occurred in the past. Thus, literature and history are entwined, and history is not only about the wars, dates, power struggles and names but about individuals who were their time’s products, and who had their individual lives (Goldsmith 113). The present world is not comparable to the 16th century as individuals have greatly changed. Devoid of the literature, humans would be unable to understand their pasts, families, as well as the individuals who came before them and also walked on similar grounds as them (Reid 119).
Still, in reviewing the importance of literature, Bateson (217) notes that literature’s very essence regards the battle between intellect and emotions, as well as the war that exists between life and death. Thus, at the point when literature is regarded as being overtly and increasingly intellectual, and when it commences ignoring the emotions and passions, then it turns out to be devoid of any substance, silly and sterile (Goldsmith 113).
Further, literature enables the learners to appreciate other cultures and beliefs. Thus, Carter and John (375) maintain that reading on the histories, religions and anthropologies offers a technique through which individuals may learn about other beliefs and cultures that are divergent from theirs. Literature, therefore, enables an individual to experience and comprehend the other living systems practices by different cultures and in other parts of the world. Thus, through literature, one is able to get the essential view of outside from inside, the personal insight and view of the reasoning and minds of other individuals. This enables the learner to learn, comprehends, as well as appreciate other cultures and beliefs.
Lastly, literature enables learners to develop better writing skills. Through the reading of various works of literature, one tends to take in the contents and analyze the texts’ meanings. As a result, one may use the literatures to expand and improve their writing skills.
Conclusion
In summary, the importance of literature cannot be overlooked as it serves a number of purposes that other subjects might not be able to do. For instance, it is an important means o/f preserving the cultures, beliefs and histories of various cultures. Moreover, it enables humans to learn from past experiences and avoid making certain mistakes. These, amongst other functions make literature a vital subject for all students.