When we write, we often do so for the sake of writing itself. Literature is a passion we live by and for, and the literary writer becomes addicted to it — writing occupies the mind and engages the heart. It begins from within and only stops when the writer’s own inner drive compels them to pause.
This applies to all forms of written art, but it is
especially true of the novel — the most demanding form of literature. It
requires long stretches of time, immense patience, and a writer whose passion
burns brightest.
Writing a novel is a long-term endeavor. An author may spend
years thinking, planning, analyzing, arranging, organizing, writing, and
editing before finally producing a complete work — one ready to leap into the
reader’s hands. This is why the primary motivation for writing is deeply
personal, rooted in the writer’s own vision and fervor.
Many novelists immerse themselves in their work as a deeply
personal artistic creation, without necessarily considering the “usefulness” of
writing or the “benefit” of the novel. Meanwhile, those who are not fond of
this art form often say things like:
“If you want to read to benefit, don’t read novels.”
They frequently question the value of fiction, the point of
writing it, and the benefits of reading it. These are the questions we will
explore here.
Why Write a Novel?
A novel is a literary, narrative, and prose-based art form
that tells an extended story in an engaging, enjoyable, and often thrilling
way. It features multiple characters — both main and secondary — and spans
different settings and time periods.
When an author writes a novel, they hold one central
question in mind: How can I write a story that captivates rather than bores?
In fiction, suspense is the opposite of boredom — the more
suspense, the less boredom. The ultimate aim of suspense is enjoyment. A
compelling novel keeps the reader entertained throughout.
But enjoyment and suspense are conditions of the novel’s
construction, not its ultimate purpose. They are elements of a successful work,
not ends in themselves. The goals of a novel are often far greater, shaped by
the author’s broader vision for the work.
These goals vary depending on the type of novel and the
writer’s intent. Some write to critique a social phenomenon, others to
challenge a political system or ideology. Some delve into the depths of human
psychology — and some novels do all of this at once.
The Benefits of Fiction and the
Value of Reading Novels
Novels are like a vast river with many branches, and those
who come to drink from it differ greatly in their tastes and interests. Some
prefer historical fiction, others romance, political novels, or social dramas.
Despite their variety, all novels share certain benefits:
1. A Unique Human Experience
We live in a remarkable era — one in which technology is
advancing rapidly, artificial intelligence is gradually taking over human
cognitive tasks, and robots are entering our lives in significant ways. At the
same time, we face social upheaval brought on by the nature of modern digital
communication, while fast-paced content literally steals us away from
ourselves.
This makes it essential to carve out moments of solitude —
spaces where we can reflect on human emotions, behaviors, and ideas, and most
importantly, turn inward to understand the human being within us.
2. Knowledge That Cannot Be Taught
Young people go to schools and universities to study
academic subjects — mathematics, engineering, science, logic. But when they
return to themselves or to their communities, what will they do with Pythagoras
or Archimedes’ principle?
While these sciences are valuable in their applications,
they do not encompass the full breadth of human knowledge. Over time, we lose
touch with wisdom, with human insight, with faith.
Novels offer a different kind of knowledge — the lived
experiences of others, which serve as vital social lessons. They reveal deep
emotions that nurture our emotional intelligence, and they preserve our
history, identity, ways of thinking, stories, homeland, and faith. These are
forms of knowledge that cannot be packaged into a curriculum — they live in the
pages of fiction.
3. Fiction and Philosophy
I believe the modern novel has, in many ways, taken the
place of philosophy. As philosophers have become less visible in society and in
academic discourse, novelists have stepped in to carry the torch of wisdom.
Today, fiction performs one of philosophy’s most important
functions: asking questions. Writers pose questions about society, the
world, the mind, humanity, emotions, and the self — about everything. They also
embark on the search for answers.
Every novelist is, in a sense, a philosopher — though not
every philosopher is a novelist.
4. A Force That Unites and Divides
Novels carry ideas and emotions that can bring people
together around a cause — or drive them apart. They play a vital role in
raising awareness and educating readers about national and social issues.
Some novels are written to unite people, to strengthen their
shared sense of belonging, and to inspire solidarity. Others may highlight
differences, drawing lines between groups based on beliefs or causes, all
within the narrative’s framework.
This is one of the most powerful — and potentially dangerous
— roles of fiction. Its impact depends entirely on the author’s intent.
In Conclusion
The benefits of fiction are too many to list in full. But in
our turbulent, chaotic age, we need more stories than ever. Amid the noise of
modern life, the novel brings us back to ourselves, opening the doors to wisdom
and to our own inner worlds.
By: Maher Daboul
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