How Literature has Helped Shape the World

By: S. Lawrence Bueno

https://www.istockphoto.com/br/search/2/image?phrase=world+literature

Literature has a major impact on the improvement of society, with its significant influence over political ideologies and exposure to societal injustices.
 
Literature brings humanity so many benefits, such as acting as a form of expression for individual authors. It seeks to promote freedom of expression and pluralism through recognition of diversity and acceptance of different cultures and beliefs.
 
It is beautiful to see how writers around the world use their privilege to provoke and transform the collective with their books and poetry. This leads to the questioning of everything, which is, in fact, the best part of it all. Through the phenomenon of doubt and raising questions in your head, you come one step closer to knowing who you are as a person.
 
What does this piece of writing really mean to you? Who are you, and what values do you stand for? What part of your essence makes you uniquely you, and how can literature make you a better person? What is the nature of being human?
 
Personally, I am completely in love with literature because I believe it widens my field of knowledge and introduces me to new ideas, human behavior and stimulates all sorts of emotions. Reading allows me to better understand the world we live in.

Literature is a tool that helps us positively shape society and make it a better place for all, guaranteeing more diversity, inclusion, equality and understanding.
 
That said, we should all make time to read more and get involved with the vast and majestic world of literature.
 
Here are some of my favorite books that are definitely worth reading:

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
• The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir
• The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath
• Call Me by Your Name – André Aciman
• The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger