“A novel worth reading is an education of the heart. It enlarges your sense of human possibility, of what human nature is, of what happens in the world. It’s a creator of inwardness.”
In this quote, Susan Sontag emphasizes the transformative power of reading novels. She argues that a truly worthwhile novel has the ability to educate our hearts, expanding our understanding of human potential, human nature, and the world around us. Sontag suggests that through literature, we can develop a deeper sense of introspection and empathy, ultimately enriching our inner lives. This quote highlights the profound impact that literature can have on individuals, shaping their perspectives and fostering personal growth.
In today's fast-paced world, Susan Sontag's words on the value of reading novels hold more relevance than ever. In a time where technology and distractions abound, taking the time to immerse oneself in a good novel can provide immense benefits. By delving into the pages of a well-crafted story, readers can gain a deeper understanding of human nature, expand their empathy, and cultivate a sense of introspection and reflection. Novels have the power to spark the imagination, challenge perspectives, and foster a greater sense of connection with the world around us. In essence, reading a novel is not just an act of leisure, but an enriching experience that can shape and educate the heart in profound ways.
"A novel worth reading is an education of the heart. It enlarges your sense of human possibility, of what human nature is, of what happens in the world. It’s a creator of inwardness.” - Susan Sontag
Reading novels can be a powerful way to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As Susan Sontag suggests, novels can educate our hearts and expand our sense of human possibility. Reflect on the following questions as you think about the novels that have impacted you:
“Read a lot. Expect something big, something exalting or deepening from a book. No book is worth reading that isn't worth re-reading.”
“Mozart, Pascal, Boolean algebra, Shakespeare, parliamentary government, baroque churches, Newton, the emancipation of women, Kant, Balanchine ballets, et al. don’t redeem what this particular civilization has wrought upon the world. The white race is the cancer of human history.”
“Literature was the passport to enter a larger life; that is, the zone of freedom. Literature was freedom. Especially in a time in which the values of reading and inwardness are so strenuously challenged, literature is freedom.”
“One can know worlds one has not experienced, choose a response to life that has never been offered, create an inwardness utterly strong and fruitful.”
“Nothing is mysterious, no human relation. Except love.”
“The Cavaliere has retired to his study and reads, trying not to think about what is going on around him -- one of the principal uses of a book.”