Lessons learned from reading The Double by Jose Saramago
Alright, I’m not typically drawn to fiction, but when my boss surprised me with a book as a vacation gift, I found myself with little choice but to give it a chance, or so I thought.
Initially, I dismissed it as a mere waste of time.
After all, I have made this rule to myself of only reading books I can learn something from.
I thought it would only be a colossal waste of time, but I gave it a chance.
However, as I immersed myself in the pages, I became increasingly captivated by the story, discovering an unexpected joy in the experience.
At times, I grappled with the narrative, as the main character consistently opted for the path of least resistance rather than what is right and descended into worsening circumstances.
It felt like the decisions being made were my own, and my life seemed to deteriorate gradually.
By reading this book, I experienced something eye-opening: reading fiction, when crafted with a deep understanding of psychology, can offer profound insights and fresh perspectives, allowing us to peer into the intricacies of the human psyche.
Here are some ways reading fiction can be beneficial:
Nurturing empathy: As we delve into the lives, situations, and emotions of characters in a book, it can sometimes feel like we are there ourselves experiencing it. This fosters a sense of empathy.
It opens your mind: You have to take in a lot of information, and your view of the characters and situations changes as the story unfolds.
Reading fiction is better than non-fiction when seeking relaxation, especially before bedtime. Non-fiction often triggers contemplation about the future and planning.
“Do not read non-fiction prior to bed, which encourages projection into the future and preoccupation/planning. Read fiction that engages the imagination and demands present-state attention. Recommendations for compulsive non-fiction readers include “Motherless Brooklyn”andStranger in a Strange Land” — Tim Ferris.
Fueling creativity: Perhaps the biggest benefit of fiction lies in its ability to kindle the flames of creativity. Through the power of storytelling, it inspires us with fresh ideas.
The value of reading both fiction and non-fiction is undeniable. Countless literary masterpieces have shed light on the human condition. Works like 1984 by George Orwell and Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky and many others offer profound insights we simply don’t get from non-fiction.
By reading The Double, I felt like I got new insights into human nature and became more tolerant. In addition, I started seeing certain things less in black-and-white patterns, which removed at least one prejudice I had.
I will start reading more fiction after this experience. As it turns out, it is not a waste of time at all.
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