Chapter 1: The Power of Reading Fiction

"Some of these things are true and some of them lies. But they are all good stories." — Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall.

Reading has emerged as one of the most enriching hobbies I have cultivated throughout my life. If asked when I first delved into books or how many I have read, I would find it difficult to pinpoint. My love for literature ignited at a young age, especially growing up in a small village where farming dominated the landscape, and educational opportunities were scarce.

In my community, it was quite uncommon for students to advance beyond the 8th or 10th grade, and the absence of high schools in the vicinity still persists. Many students would travel to nearby villages for their education. I vividly remember being lanky and towering at 6 feet tall, navigating a life where farming was physically demanding. Books became my refuge, providing an escape from the rigors of daily labor.

My reading appetite knew no bounds; I consumed everything from textbooks and novels to magazines and pamphlets. My inclination towards nonfiction was fueled by my ability to discern patterns and logic. Reflecting on my previous article, How Does Reading Affect Your Brain, I ponder the significance of engaging with fiction.

What if I told you that a single activity could enhance your imagination, boost memory and improve interpersonal relationships? You might be skeptical, but it's entirely possible. As I have often noted, I only share insights after personal experimentation. My journey included numerous 30-day challenges aimed at fostering healthy habits.

For a long time, I subscribed to the belief that reading must serve a purpose. While that is still valid, I learned that enjoyment also plays a crucial role. This realization prompted my exploration of fiction.

Fiction embodies creativity, requiring readers to envision characters, their traits, and their actions. It immerses you in another person's mind, allowing you to experience their emotions and thoughts, making it an enthralling pursuit.

For those who, like me, have seldom ventured into fiction, here are a few novels to consider:

• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series

Reading fiction is often dismissed as mere leisure or, at worst, a frivolous pastime. Allow me to share a glimpse into my childhood to contextualize my views.

My father was an avid reader, and our home was filled with books. Although my mother had no formal education, she recognized the value of knowledge. She stored my father's completed novels in sacks, which she later sold to vendors for a few coins.

In 2013, psychologists David Kidd and Emanuele Castano conducted intriguing experiments. Participants read excerpts from various genres, including both nonfiction and fiction. Following this, they were asked to interpret emotional expressions from photographs. This assessment measured the 'Theory of Mind,' a concept that enables us to understand others' thoughts based on their expressions.

This faculty allows us to empathize with others, broadening our perspectives and imaginations. Without this ability, social interactions can become challenging, limiting one's imaginative capacity.

Now, let's delve into the brain's workings. Our brains consist of interconnected neurons and pathways, transmitting electrical impulses that shape our thoughts and emotions. Some pathways are innate, while others develop through experience.

A critical question arises: Does reading fiction engage different brain areas compared to watching television? The answer is a resounding YES. Reading demands imagination and creativity, compelling us to visualize scenes and characters based solely on an author's narrative.

Contrastingly, television provides visuals that require less cognitive engagement. When we read, we must concentrate fully, immersing ourselves in the text to comprehend the unfolding narrative.

Let's consider the distinction between speaking and reading. Why is it that children easily pick up language but struggle with reading? Speaking relies on innate pathways formed at birth. In contrast, reading is a skill acquired through instruction and practice, necessitating the creation of new neural connections.

Reading activates diverse brain regions, creating a holistic experience that extends beyond mere comprehension. When we read about a character's emotions or actions, the same brain areas that would light up if we were experiencing those feelings become engaged.

In an intriguing study, researchers from Emory University sought to visualize the changes in the brain when individuals read fiction. Participants read a compelling novel, Pompeii by Robert Harris, for 30 pages each night over five nights. Brain scans revealed significant changes, indicating increased connectivity throughout various brain regions, not just those associated with language.

Reading fiction is not just an enjoyable pastime; it serves as a comprehensive workout for the brain. The benefits are substantial, including improved empathy, reduced stress, and enhanced sleep quality. Fiction can even foster better relationships and boost emotional intelligence.

Recommended reading: Deep Work by Cal Newport.

As I continue my exploration into holistic health, productivity, and well-being, I invite you to join my journey. Subscribe for insights into mental health, lifestyle choices, and personal growth.

Chapter 2: The Science Behind Fiction and Empathy