answersLogoWhite

0

We need to study world literature, because we are human. Our experiences as humans connect us to each other but only through the medium of literature. You may ask, "Why not connect through the medium of television, since it is so immediate and easy?" The answer, simplified, is that television is constrained by several factors: programming is reliant on sponsorship and therefore subject to censorship by those sponsors; television programming is too short in duration to allow for a full, deep exploration of any part of the human condition; programming has, unfortunately, devolved into slick, fast-paced "nuggets" of information designed to deliver entertainment for a large audience, not true information. There's much more, but lest I start to digress, let me move on.

If we allow ourselves to live a "small life" - one in which we never experience anything beyond our immediate experiences - then we do not learn about other cultures. We do not get the opportunity to see how others handle situations that are similar to our own. We feel isolated and alone in our daily challenges. We do not feel the empathy with our global neighbors that prevents us from developing detrimental biases against them.

Perhaps the argument can be made that keeping oneself isolated from the world could lead to some form of psychosis or sociopathic tendencies. Literature can remove the obstacle of social isolation for those unable to physically reach out and learn about to the rest of the world's issues.

We also learn how to better communicate through literature. Conversation is too peppered with jargon and slang to be as effective at teaching us communication in a wider setting than literature. We can learn appropriate phrasing in different conversations that help us to possibly fit in or get ahead. Plus, the more we read good literature, the more we "get it" when we hear or read references to various, fitting quotes from it. Just think of how many headlines have gone misunderstood by so many. If only they'd read more . . .

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What has the author Ellen Reeves written?

Ellen Reeves has written: 'A literature guide to--' -- subject(s): Literature, Study and teaching (Elementary), Young adult literature, Study and teaching, Study and teaching (Middle school)


What is concise and precise definition of literature as a social science subject?

Literature is classed as a subset of language study, not social science study.


What is the adjective phrase of this sentence The study of American literature is rewarding?

Study


What has the author David L Pike written?

David L. Pike has written: 'The Longman Anthology of World Literature, Volume B' 'The Longman Anthology of World Literature Volume I (A, B, C)' 'Literature' -- subject(s): Academic writing, Literature, Study and teaching (Higher), English literature, English language, Collections, College readers, Composition and exercises 'Metropolis on the Styx' -- subject(s): Underground areas in literature, Underground areas, Social aspects of Underground areas, Social aspects, Urban Sociology, Subterranean Civilization 'The Longman Anthology of World Literature, Volume C' -- subject(s): Literature, Collections, History and criticism 'Literature' -- subject(s): Study and teaching (Higher), Literature, Academic writing, English literature, English language, Collections, College readers, Composition and exercises 'Longman Anthology of World Literature Volume II (D, E, F) The'


Why is comparative literature important?

Comparative literature is a study of two literary text or texts of same nation or nations as well as a study of two disciplines.


When did Timbuktu become a center for study of Arabic literature?

Timbuktu became central for Arabic study of language and literature in 1350 C. E.


Is cohort study primary or secondary literature?

A cohort study is considered primary literature because it involves original research conducted by the authors.


What does ancient Philippine literature tell us about your ancestors and their society?

why do we study ancient literature


What are the similarities between the study of science and the study of literature?

you write reports on both of them


What has the author Irene Fowlie written?

Irene Fowlie has written: 'Indian literature in high school English programs in Canada' -- subject(s): Study and teaching (Secondary), Literature, Study and teaching, Indian literature, Textbooks, Indians in literature


When was The Society for the Study of the Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States created?

The Society for the Study of the Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States was created in 1974.


What is the literature review topic for your research study?

The literature review topic for my research study is the impact of social media on mental health among teenagers.