KARACHI:
From ancient times, literature has played a vital role in society fostering moral and ethical development. According to Plato, literary works should convey moral messages. Aesthetics, encompassing the beauty of art and nature, provides a realm for individuals to appreciate beauty. For those experiencing anxiety or depression, art serves as a crucial source for alleviating stress.
Nowadays, people prefer movies, video games, social media applications and other digital mediums over traditional forms of art like books and paintings. By neglecting literary works, we are distancing ourselves from the enriching beauty they provide. This limits our ability to fully savour every moment of life. Literature possesses the unique power to transport readers to unseen worlds allowing each person to create their ideal reality through the power of imagination.
You can wield it as a tool, much like Percy Bysshe Shelley, a renowned revolutionary poet who utilised poetry to protest against oppression and social injustice. By employing words, you can effectively convey your message to the world potentially contributing to the healing of societal ailments. In his essay “Of Studies,” Bacon explores the advantages of engaging with diverse books. Reading history books, for instance, enables one to understand the truth of the past and glean insights from past mistakes. A diverse reading habit aids in the development of critical thinking skills and broadens one’s perspective on the world.
Uzair Ullah
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2023.
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