Reading and Empathy

I feel the most common argument as to why reading is beneficial is that it makes us smarter. Many will tell you reading allows us to expand our knowledge, learn about various topics, and even learn new vocabulary. Of course this is all true, however, what if I told you that in addition to reading making us smarter, it also makes us better members of society? It’s true. Reading books—particularly fiction—has shown to actually increase empathy. Because reading allows us to step into the shoes of characters with different perspectives and experiences than us, we develop a stronger ability to empathize with those that are different from us in our real lives. 

The exposure to different perspectives we encounter while reading books deepens our understanding of the human experience, and overall, the world around us. By reading from the perspective of a character that comes from a different background, culture, or life experience than us, we imagine what it would feel like to live life as that character when we read. In a book, we may get a character’s backstory, we may learn about their desires, and we’re often able to hear their own thoughts and feelings. In doing so, we’re able to see how it would feel to experience life from another person’s point of view. Because of this, when we put the book down and step back into our own lives, we realize that people in the real world are just like book characters. They come from different backgrounds and cultures and have their own unique feelings and desires. Because of reading books that expose us to these differences, we become more understanding towards those that differ from ourselves, making us more empathetic human beings. 

Why should this encourage you to read more?

The positive impact reading has on empathy is both long-lasting and extremely beneficial. Empathy is a vital trait to possess as it allows us to build stronger relationships with the people around us, encourage effective communication, and overall make us kinder, more compassionate people. When we’re empathetic and able to better understand others, we are more inclined to put out kindness into the world and the people in it, thus, helping create a more uplifted and positive world. Therefore, if reading to become smarter doesn’t exactly entice you, maybe the idea of reading to become a better person will.

- Ava W., 11th Grade