From ancient Greek myths to modern sci-fi tales, literature has long played a starring role in human societies. Whether one realizes it or not, the impact of literature on important matters such as politics, childhood development, and culture is prodigious. Sacred texts such as the Quran, the Torah, and the Bible have arguably played an irreplaceable role in multiple belief systems. This leads one to pose the question: just how deeply ingrained is literature into our world?

   Works such as 1984 by George Orwell and The Crucible by Arthur Miller are prime examples of how fictional pieces can represent real political issues. “It is only a slight exaggeration to say that, especially in Latin America, The Crucible starts getting produced wherever a political coup appears imminent, or a dictatorial regime has just been overthrown,” said Author  Arthur Miller in an interview with The New Yorker (newyorker.com). Many books, despite being written decades ago, remain relevant in modern society.

   Literature teaches valuable moral lessons, impacting how readers view the world around them. Whether one grew up hearing Aesop’s Fables such as The Hare and the Tortoise, or dared to read the far more complex Epic of Gilgamesh, chances are that some form of writing helped to shape one’s perspective of right and wrong.

   According to the National Library of Medicine, “Tales have been told everywhere and in every time to educate, entertain, and increase individuals’ awareness about moral principles and customs, thus representing an important part of traditional heritage as well as a way to reinforce tolerance and mutual knowledge among different populations” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Furthermore, nearly every piece of literature is deeply infused with cultural significance.

   Writing is one of the most common forms of human expression; therefore, it only makes sense that it is also one of the most common forms of cultural expression. Books such as The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini boldly address topics such as self-identity and embracing one’s culture. According to the Medium, “[Literature] can alter how people view themselves and their surroundings by introducing fresh viewpoints, challenging accepted beliefs, and challenging conventional wisdom” (medium.com). These works have the potential to educate readers about a culture different than their own. They may also enable readers to embrace their own cultures.

   Literature is, without a doubt, a cornerstone in our society. It enriches cultures, strengthens our knowledge of past civilizations, and has the ability to teach life lessons. To lose literature would be to lose an irreplaceable aspect of humanity.