Скачать или смотреть Books Teach Empathy, Emotional Vocabulary, and Validate Experiences

Books do more than just entertain.

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Transcript:
Years ago, I gave a short interview on the topic of the value of Literature.
As I thought about the topic, there was no lack of ideas that came to mind, but the three that made their way to the top of my list were these:
Books teach empathy.
Books can validate our own experience.
Books give us an emotional vocabulary.

Books Teach Empathy
When we read books, we usually get inside the head of one or more characters. We get a detailed view of their situation and their reaction to it. Good books will make us sympathize with the character. Great books will make us empathize with them. A well-written book will immerse us so fully in the character's plight, that we can't help but feel what they feel. And because the situation and emotional responses that can be contained and explained in books are unlimited in their diversity, it gives readers a chance to experience, in some small way, the life struggles of a vast number of people.

Books Can Validate Our Own Experience
When we find a character that we can relate to, someone who has experienced what we've experienced, or felt what we've felt, it can make us feel less alone. I'm thinking especially of middle school and high school aged kids and young adults. Kids who are experiencing huge emotions for the first time and who might feel like they are completely alone in what they're feeling can find validation and camaraderie with fictional characters. It can give them a chance to realize, "Hey, this character feels the same way I do; maybe I'm not crazy. Maybe I'm not wrong to feel this way. Maybe other people feel this way too."

Books Give Us Emotional Vocabulary
Yes, they teach us just plain old vocabulary as well. However, I think the more important aspect is being able to learn how to speak coherently about our own emotions. If a reader can identify with and relate to a certain character, there is a good chance that the way that character discovers, identifies, and labels their emotions with in turn teach the reader how to identify and label their emotions. Books give words to feelings. Words that people, especially kids, will be able to use when communicating their feelings to others. Has that ever happened to you? You're reading a book and the character suddenly drops this perfectly worded truth bomb that describes what you've been feeling, but haven't been able to identify for who knows how long? That's a powerful thing. It's a gift.
Books are a powerful tool. They can teach us a lot about ourselves. And they're cheaper than therapy. :)