Why Stories Matter: Make Time to Read

When life gets busy, reading literature such as fiction is often one of the first things that falls to the wayside – if it was ever a priority to begin with. Many of us feel it’s an unnecessary luxury. It gets in the way of the other more important daily activities that we need to do. Reading stories won’t make you more productive, help you get your tasks done, or teach you how to do things more efficiently. However, while stories may not seem very practical, they can change how you live your daily life.

Throughout history, stories taught and passed on moral lessons within cultures. Consider the myths, fables, and fairy tales that most of us are familiar with. These anecdotes shared lessons and shaped the aspirations and ideals of the people who listened to them. We learned from the characters in these stories how to behave in the face of adversity, and what virtues we should aspire to. We also see how their choices play out in the context of a greater narrative. Stories are so effective because not only do they convey a message, but they do so in a way that moves our hearts. And when the heart is convinced that something is true, or good, then our behaviors will reflect that.

For this reason, reading fiction can play an important role in our lives. Good fiction has the power to give you a new lens to view your life. There is a popular claim that we read or watch fantasy because it helps us escape from reality. And while that can be the case, there is another perspective. Stories, such as fantasy, can help you see reality more clearly. It shines a light on the significance of our actions in who we become and how we impact those around us. When done well, it has the power to allow you experience daily life in a richer and more meaningful way. Ultimately, they can teach us learn to live more compelling lives every day.

I’ll share a few examples of how I discovered why stories matter from my own life. When I read Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, everything seemed to have more meaning. The daily things – walks overlooking the sunset, my tasks, simple conversations – had a new glow about them. The world felt more enchanting. To this day, stories like Lord of the Rings helps me when I feel overcome by anxiety about real or potential hardships. It lifts me out of the darkness in my head and gives me hope. I feel comforted by the idea that light can be found even in the darkest circumstances.

When I read the Nancy Drew series as a child, she formed my image of what an elegant, intelligent and well-rounded woman looked like. I remember reading a seemingly insignificant passage where she helped her housekeeper clean the dishes. As small as it sounds, it inspired me. I recall looking to see what chores I could help with because I wanted to imitate the character I admired. When we read about characters that inspire us, it creates a desire to behave in a more dignified manner.

Stories have the power to shape our hearts in a way that no self-help, philosophy, science or other type of book can. It can inspire us to act in a more upright, or courageous way that we simply wouldn’t have had the motivation to do otherwise. When our hearts are moved, our actions follow.

So, consider making space for reading good, “non-productive” literature – or even watching good movies. It will enrich your experience of the world and will fill you with a greater sense of wonder. You may find that you experience your daily life and relationships in a deeper and fuller way than you did before. Stories nurture our hearts, which influence our choices, which in turn, shape our lives. This is why stories matter.