I think we can all agree that our world would be a much duller place without books. While many people have access to the internet and can find almost any book they need online, there is still something magical about holding a physical copy in your hands. Now think of all the other things that books have done for us. Whether you’re a fantasy reader or a sci-fi lover, there’s a book that you feel inspired by or that you need to know more about. While we can’t all be surrounded by bright lights and beautiful people, we can surround ourselves with these books! Here are just a few of the amazing things that books have done for us.
Inspired Creativity
Let’s be honest, when you pick up a book, you’re not necessarily going to pick it up to read. You’re going to pick it up to be inspired by the stories, or the cover, or even the way it looks. It may very well be that the book you’re holding has changed the way you look at the world and made you feel like a new person. It’s not uncommon for books to have this kind of effect on people.
There are countless stories of writers being affected by their reading. Some of the most well-known examples include:
- Jack Kerouac, whose works have been credited with inspiring the Beat Generation.
- William Shakespeare, who is said to have written some of his best soliloquies and most famous plays while thinking of something that he’d read in a book
- Oscar Wilde, who reportedly declared that “a good story can do more for the mind of a human being than ten lectures on any subject.”
A Connection to the Past
It’s not just about the present, it’s about the future too! There are so many examples of books that have inspired technologies, or that have been used as a reference when trying to figure something out. Think about all the classic science fiction series that we can name off the top of our heads: The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy, or The Martian Chronicles, or The Lord of the Rings. These are just a few of the many series that have impacted the way we view the world through fiction, and they have continued to do so even after decades have passed.
As we’ve established, literature is pretty important to our lives. It’s not just about the stories themselves but also about the way that they make us feel. When you consider all of the different ways that books have inspired and changed the way we live life, it’s safe to say that books will never be ‘just’ something that you read. They become a part of you, forever altering the way you experience the world.
Knowledge
It would be remiss of us not to point out the obvious here! In addition to being responsible for sparking creativity in many cases, books are also a fantastic source of knowledge. Whether you’re looking for information on a particular topic or want to know more about a particular author or work, there’s a book to help!
Whether you’re a literature student or just want to know more about a particular author or work, there are plenty of guides and bibliographies online that you can turn to. You’ll be able to find all of the relevant information you need in one place, and in the meantime, you’ll have enhanced your knowledge base!
A Bridge to Other Worlds
Speaking of knowledge, let’s not forget about the many amazing things that books have done for us in terms of opening up our minds to other ways of thinking and new perspectives. In 2019 especially, with conversations and interactions between people from different backgrounds increasing, it’s more important than ever to be able to understand how other people think. With a little bit of empathy and curiosity, you may very well be able to connect with someone from a completely different culture and walk away with a whole new perspective to take back to your own community.
If, for example, you’re looking for inspiration for a short story or novel and want to know more about other cultures and how they approach certain issues, you can reference the wide range of literary works available on Amazon or your local library’s website, and you’ll be able to find many different perspectives from which to draw.
A Place to Process Thoughts
Sometimes, we as readers need a little bit of a break from all of the information and stimulation that comes with reading. It’s not always easy to find the perfect piece of literature that fits into your reading schedule, especially if you have a demanding job and a social life. Sometimes, all we need is a place where we can go to decompress and recharge!
Whether you’re dealing with a hectic schedule or just want to spend a little bit of quality time reading, there are plenty of places that you can go to find a book to fit your needs. You can also bring your e-reader with you and download the perfect book directly to your kindle! It’s never been easier to stay informed, but sometimes, it’s also nice to just read a good book for the pure joy of it. There are so many places where you can find that special book that you need to remind yourself of all the good things that life has to offer!
The list of amazing things that books have done for us would be incomplete without mentioning their cultural, social, and educational impact. Even those who read for leisure may find that books change the way they view the world, and that’s probably the best thing that books can do for us as readers.