Why Reading Fiction Makes You a Better Person

Today I'm answering the age-old question, does reading fiction make us better people? Would the world we live in be better if more people read fiction books?

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Hey, I’m Gina 👋 If you like video commentary on books, you're in the right place!

I post videos on the world of books and reading. Including deep dives into reading psychology, and fun facts you probably didn't know.

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[GinaLuciaReads]

Do you think the world would be a better place if we read more fiction?

What fiction books have helped you build empathy?

[KasSommers]

An interesting perspective. It makes me feel more comfortable about abandoning books such as Beloved or Anna Karenina or actively disliking Wuthering Heights. I can intellectually appreciate the writing but don't want to spend time in some worlds or with some people if it affects me in a negative way.

[wouterhijlkema]

That's an interesting idea. I think reading in general does make the world a better place. Have to think some more about the fiction specification...

[dukewhisky]

This is really interesting and I can see why it would make a difference since we are making emotional connections with others in books. Very least it lets us escape from the real world a bit which might also lift our moods up.

[PracticalInspiration]

I think this is true, but equally important is what you are reading. Most writers focus on very real world issues or questions within their work, whether it be social, political or philosophical questions, which helps us reflect and consider how we deal with these issues in real life (if not consciously, potentially in our subconscious). Add to this that when reading these books they often give us a view from the individual character perspectives, making it easier for us to empathise with them.

[SimpleLifeSG]

Never thought about fiction books can influence us to much. Will try to check on my feeling/emotions next time I read a fiction book. 👍

[MindsettoMastery]

nice take on fiction and empathy! I haven't thought about that before. for me, I find reading material that go against my beliefs helps with empathy and understand other people better!

[TeacupTempestMinecraft]

This is an interesting perspective. I believe it is possible to strengthen the empathy muscles through reading fiction. Especially books that have characters that are different from us. It's a reminder that we all are human.

[selaluasri]

Gread idea so good inspiration for reading, thank you for sharing👍😍

[mahinaquantummanifestation]

ooooh what a fascinating question!!!! Excellent research!!! 🥰I'll tell you what! it made me think and the people I've met or in my life who've got the LEAST empathy are the ones that I know for a fact NEVER read, especially fiction! I can't say if those who do read fiction are more empathetic but it sure looks and feels that way!! OMG I love when books make me laugh or cry! (I LOVE how your cat sits on you ahaha)! Aaaah very very good question too, is someone empathetic first or do they develop it, I think it's both and that books definitely help develop empathy! 🤩I LOVE the amazing research you did here and how you put it across! Thanks for a wonderful video! I'm off to reading my fiction book now! I'm reading "Lusam" or "The Dragon Mage Wars" Series at the moment - I'm actually re-reading it, (It's SO good!) and I recommend everyone who loves an excellently written dragon mage saga with everything from fighting, romance, strategy, magical skills and well-developed characters who evolve through a total of 6 books, to try it! You'll definitely be laughing and may even cry and you'll just love how to characters grow and get through all kinds of challenges throughout the story!

[aamilrehmanali]

Amazing video thanks for sharing
Stay connect my friend.🌹🌹.🌹🌹

[ALLIENYC]

Wow this is interesting. "The ding dang proof" 🤣. But seriously this a very interesting, and yes I think with fiction you are put in the shoes of characters so you see and feel things from their perspective. Hmm picking up pens but still it says something. My favorite type of book to read is historical fiction. I think you get the best of both worlds you get the fiction experience and you learn something about the world/history at the same time. I do not like fictional who dun its too much, I always figure out the plot twist and the character development is usually weak. I figured out the big plot twist in Gone Girl less then halfway through 🤣 I was annoyed. Great discussion 👍 and new friend from across the pond hope we can connect and looking forward to more talks like this! 😊 📚

[honestrox]

Wait a second while I run to get my husband to watch this (muahaha). I'm a huge huge fiction lover <3