Have you ever wished for a super intelligent brain? You might think the answer lies in textbooks, but surprisingly, novels could be the key. In today’s world, more people are fascinated by science than ever before. In fact, “science” was named the Word of the Year by Merriam-Webster in 2013. While it’s great to seek knowledge and self-improvement, we shouldn’t overlook the benefits of activities we enjoy, like reading fiction.
Humans have always loved stories. Our brains are wired to find patterns and meanings, and stories are perfect for that. When you listen to a lecture filled with facts, only the language parts of your brain are active. But when you hear a story, your brain does something amazing. It not only processes the language but also activates other parts related to the story’s content. For example, if the story involves running, your brain’s motor cortex, which controls movement, lights up as if you’re running. This process, known as grounded cognition, helps you remember stories better than plain facts because you feel like you’re experiencing them.
Researchers conducted a study where participants read about 30 pages of a novel and then had their brains scanned using fMRI technology for five days afterward. The results were fascinating. For all five days, participants showed increased activity in the temporal cortex, which handles language, and the central sulcus, involved in grounded cognition. This means that reading a novel for just one day boosted their language and motor skills for several days.
Recent studies have also shown that literary fiction is particularly effective in developing empathy. Researchers asked participants to read different types of literature, including popular fiction, literary fiction, and non-fiction, or nothing at all. They then tested the participants’ ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings. Those who read nothing or non-fiction showed little improvement, while those who read popular fiction had similar results. However, participants who read literary fiction significantly improved their ability to empathize with others. This is because literary fiction often delves deeper into character psychology, offering more consistent and realistic character reactions.
If you’re looking to grow as a person and enjoy a captivating story, consider picking up a piece of literary fiction. It can enhance your empathy and keep your brain engaged in a unique way. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for reading fiction instead of traditional educational material, it’s clear that fiction has its own valuable benefits. So, why not dive into a good book and experience the magic of stories for yourself?
Imagine you are an author. Write a short story that includes a character experiencing a strong emotion, like joy or fear. As you write, think about how you can make the reader feel what the character is feeling. This will help you understand how stories engage different parts of the brain and enhance empathy.
Join a book club with your classmates and choose a piece of literary fiction to read together. After reading, discuss how the story made you feel and what you learned about the characters. This activity will help you see how literary fiction can improve your understanding of others’ thoughts and feelings.
Create a mind map of a novel you recently read. Include key events, character developments, and emotional moments. This visual representation will help you see the patterns and meanings in the story, reinforcing the concept of grounded cognition.
Read a short story or a chapter from a literary fiction book. Then, write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Try to express their thoughts and feelings as if they were your own. This will help you practice empathy and understand character psychology.
Participate in a classroom debate on the benefits of reading fiction versus non-fiction. Prepare arguments for how fiction can enhance empathy and cognitive skills, using examples from the article. This will help you articulate the educational value of fiction.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Do you want a super intelligent brain? You should probably put down the textbook and pick up a novel. Anthony here for DNews, and we are living in a time when more people are interested in the sciences than ever. Merriam-Webster declared “science” the 2013 Word of the Year, which is a fantastic development. As we search for brain food and self-improvement, it’s important to remember how valuable the things we find enjoyable or even frivolous are for our brains as well.
Take, for example, reading fiction. Humans love a good story, and our brains enjoy trying to find patterns and meanings in things. Stories are a great way to do that. When you’re listening to a lecture filled with facts and bullet points—just straight data—the language parts of your brain work alone to decode the words into meaning. However, when you’re being told a story, something interesting happens: not only do you decode the language, but your brain activates other parts related to the subject of the story. For instance, if you’re hearing a story about someone running, your motor cortex lights up and simulates the motions of running. This makes it easier to remember stories than plain facts because, to a certain extent, you’re actually living the story. This phenomenon is called grounded cognition, and those reactions could lead to lasting changes in your brain function.
Researchers at a university had subjects read about 30 pages of a novel and then underwent fMRI brain scans for five consecutive days afterward. For all five days, the subjects showed higher activity in their temporal cortex, which controls language receptivity, and their central sulcus, which is involved in grounded cognition. Reading a novel for just one day increased every subject’s language and motor skills for five days afterward.
New research also highlights that literary fiction, in particular, is important for developing empathy. Multiple studies by a research institution had participants read popular fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction, or nothing at all, and then they were given tests to assess their ability to infer what others were thinking or feeling. Those who read nothing or non-fiction showed almost no improvement, while those who read popular fiction had similar results. However, participants who read literary fiction demonstrated significant gains in understanding the emotions of others. Researchers believe this is because popular fiction may lack the depth and consistency in character reactions, while literary fiction pays more attention to character psychology.
So, if you’re looking for a dystopian narrative and want to grow as a person, consider choosing literary fiction. I have to admit that I’ve been neglecting fiction lately and feel guilty if I read too much without picking up something traditionally educational. I need to improve on that. Please recommend a good book for me to read in the comments, and subscribe for more DNews!
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This version maintains the original message while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
Brain – The organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, feelings, and activity – In literature, authors often explore how the brain processes emotions and memories through their characters’ experiences.
Fiction – Literature created from the imagination, not presented as fact – Many students enjoy reading fiction because it allows them to explore imaginative worlds and complex characters.
Stories – Narratives created to entertain, inform, or convey experiences – Stories have the power to transport readers to different times and places, offering new perspectives on life.
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another – Reading novels can enhance empathy by allowing readers to experience the world through the eyes of diverse characters.
Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit – Studying literature helps students appreciate the beauty and complexity of language and human experience.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior – Authors often use psychological insights to develop realistic and compelling characters in their stories.
Reading – The action or skill of understanding written or printed matter – Reading a variety of genres can improve a student’s vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Cognition – The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses – Literature can stimulate cognition by challenging readers to think critically about themes and messages.
Characters – The people or beings who take part in the action of a story – Memorable characters in literature often undergo significant development, reflecting real-life complexities.
Novels – Long fictional narratives that describe intimate human experiences – Novels often explore intricate plots and deep character development, making them a favorite among avid readers.
