The word literature means literally ‘letters’ it is on account of this that learned men are referred to as men of letters. Reading of literature is important for us for it gives valuable insights to various facets of life. It inculcates in us the power of reasoning as Francis bacon said read not to contradict and confute nor to believe and take for granted nor to find talk and discourse but to weigh and consider.
It provides valuable insight into the good things of life and made us aware of the negative aspects. Thus enabling us to differentiate between good or bad virtue and evil. It makes us more humane and virtuous. Unfortunately, the youth of today does not read literature except that from textbooks . this is due to the overpowering influence of other media like television, cinema and the internet of late. To that extent, he is unable to reap the fruits of wisdom for nothing can substitute it.
Besides developing our personality and a value system it helps us in thinking and acting logically. No matter what problems we face we can derive strength and direction from the thoughts and actions of great sages. None of the above media touch our life so profoundly as it does.
It is therefore without any hesitation we can say that our lives are profoundly affected by reading literature. This is so for the inspiring thoughts of learned men broaden our vision making us worldly wise for lord Tennyson rightly said “when knowledge comes, wisdom lingersâ€
