There is no doubt in the fact that we really need literature in life.

Though it may not be the

essential ingredient of life like water, food or oxygen, its significance for the best quality of life cannot be
denied. First and foremost impact of literature is that it broadens the human mind and makes us think
critically. It makes us tolerant towards other cultures and beliefs. There is no other enriching pleasure
than getting immersed in the world of literature. Literature accumulates the experiences and wisdom of
the generations and gives us insight to learn the lessons from history. It inspires us to learn more, do
more and become more. It grooms our personality and builds our character. It creates awareness
regarding social, political and economic rights. It helps in developing better writing skills among readers.
In addition to this, it introduces us to new concepts and ideas that change and shape our lives. On the
other hands, writers find literature as a tool to express their thoughts, do catharsis, transfer their
knowledge to the coming generations and leave the imprints of their work forever. I have quoted a few
instances in which literature changed the course of mankind.

To place the significance of literature in its right place, I think it will not be inappropriate to say
that literature may not be as important as are water, food or oxygen for our lives. But literature is surely
important for the quality of life. It is true that being oblivious to the exposure of literature is not threat
to biological life, yet the refreshing impact of literature on the quality of our lives cannot be denied.
Benefiting from literature may be one of the major factors to distinguish human life from animal life.
Many benefits of literature have been stated in the following paragraphs to show how literature is
important for our lives. A few instances have also been quoted to prove the point that literature has
profound impact on the quality of life.

For the purpose of this essay, I would take the broad definition of literature as being the entire
body of writings on any particular subject. Literature has profound impact on our individual and social
lives. The aspects of that impact have been explained in the following paragraphs. First I would explain
the need of literature in the lives of the readers.

We need literature in our lives because it expands our minds. For example, The Alchemist written
by Paulo Coelho inspires us to keep going despite the hardships coming in the way. It further says that it
is always good to have dreams, and one should chase one’s dreams. It enlightens us that it is the
persistence that brings fruits. By studying literature, we come to interact with different perspectives of
life. Our exposure to these perspectives opens our minds. Thus, expansion of minds is the first
advantage that comes to our minds when we discuss different benefits of literature in our lives.

Literature builds critical thinking skills among the readers. When we analyze different events,
their causes and effects, and evaluate evidence to support a certain argument, critical thinking skills are
developed in us. It also involves drawing inferences and evaluating concepts. Critical thinking makes us
formulate our own opinion on any given subject. We do not copy others viewpoints blindly rather we
have our own views backed by reasons and arguments on any subject. Thus, literature is a tool for
building critical thinking skills.
 Our interactions with literature make us tolerant toward other cultures and beliefs. Stephen R. Covey
states in his famous book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” that we should not only respect
the differences but also celebrate them. We not only tolerate different viewpoints but also we tend to
appreciate other beliefs. Study of literature makes us believe that being different and having different
viewpoints is not only normal but it is the real beauty of human civilization. We come to realize that
there are different cultures and different belief systems under the influence of particular set of
circumstances and religious teachings available in that particular geographical area. Thus, multicultural
acceptance is another end result of study of literature.