Why Classic Literature Matters: The Importance of Reading the Greats

Reading is fundamental. Reading Classics is fundamental-er. Classic literature have stood the test of time. This isn’t the sole reason to read them, but it’s a good start. If we could read a book every week, we would not put a dent in the vast expanse of written works. It is best to choose wisely.

Here are some good reasons to read the Classics:

1. They open up your mind.
2. You will understand the world and the people in it better.
3. They are beautiful works of art that can take you on an amazing journey.
4. Classics teach us about life, love, loss, war, and so much more. Reading them can make you a more well-rounded person. classics also give us a chance to slow things down. This is particularly because some of them are quite difficult to pierce. But once you get through them, it can be life-changing.

Tips to reading Classics:

1. Prep work. Once you’ve picked your first Classic, read up about the author, the times, and any of the big events that occurred during the period.
2. Give the author a chance. Sometimes (most times) you won’t get the material on the first pass. That’s fine. It took St. Thomas Aquinas several readings of Aristotle’s Metaphysics before it stuck with him. And it changed his life after.
3. Read what the author read. Or at least be familiar with it. These works influenced him/her. It can shed some light on what the book is about.

Reading Classics require some deep thought and some dedicated time. But I’d argue that it’s well worth the effort.

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