The Decline of Literature in a Science Driven World

By Lalarukh Michael for Invisiblites

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”– George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones

“In a world driven by data and logic, where do we find space for empathy, imagination, and the complexities of human experience?” Philosophers like Alex Rosenberg claim that natural science delivers epistemic values such as knowledge and understanding, whereas, say, literature and, according to some, literary studies, merely have aesthetic value (Rik Peels, 2019).

Literature is drowning in waves of scientific knowledge struggling to rise. Recently an alarming decline has been observed in the current generation regarding literature. Under the compulsion of parents and society combined, literature is being washed away by surging tides of scientific knowledge. In a world where logic reigns every decision, emotions and feelings have been restricted within the walls of literature. Even in schools, literature is treated as an optional and dispensable subject, prioritizing quantitative skills, and career paths centered around “practical” knowledge.  In the end, literature is often dismissed as unrealistic and suited only for the overly sensitive. 

However, this declining interest in literature is a tremendous loss, not only for the humanities but for society as a whole. It is raising a generation that is painfully “scientific” and “logical” with little to do with the sensitivities and wonders of life. Unintentionally this data-driven mechanical world is fostering an army of robots. Literature is a necessity for creating humans with empathy, critical thinking, and self-expression. The passive learning granted by literature makes the readers and observers grapple with complex ethical decisions and experience settings that require them to imagine lives far beyond their own experiences. Such insights are only aided by literature. But the question here is, WHAT IS LITERATURE? 

The Multidimensional Nature of Literature

The word literature emerged from the Latin word meaning “the use of letters” or “writing”. Literature is generally perceived as a body of written works. However, literature cannot be marginalized by the words written on paper merely. It is a wide-ranging term that encompasses written, visual, and oral works regarded as forms of art. Written literature encompasses the typically known form of literature which is novels, poems, and plays. Little do people know that there are two more types of literature – visual such as movies, documentaries, and drama serials, and oral such as proverbs, songs, and speeches.

Art is Dead, Long Live Art! – Invisiblites

Written Literature: Beyond Aesthetics

Written Literature is by far the most misinterpreted form of literature. It is rejected by rationalists, shrinking it to a world of emotionally attuned, tender-hearted people. Literature is far from being a purely fictional discipline. Its contributions to cognitive and emotional development are overlooked. Readers get to encounter the situations and characters grappling with complex ethical decisions, experiencing settings that are never experienced by the readers. These skills may not show up on standardized tests, but they are vital for developing well-rounded, thoughtful individuals.

Great literature is full of questions and doesn’t offer simple answers. Hamlet is not just a play on the abstract of revenge; it breathes the air of moral ambiguity, inner conflict, and existential despair. Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky teaches right and wrong, but in the process, makes the readers go through journeys of psychological depths in the experience of guilt, fear, and redemption. These authors are after the very ‘what is being human’ things, and they also show that human motivation and experience are not just a matter of pure logic. Similarly, Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels are another example of how literature can be seen in diverse dimensions. Literature is not only a stunning art but also an engine of thought, a critic of society, and even a real-world application. It promotes rational issues and addresses social issues. While the stories are thrilling and suspenseful; they also educate readers about forensic science, observation, and human behavior. This blend of education and entertainment adds functional value to the narrative. Written literature provides a perfect blend between aesthetics and learning about the realities of life.

Moral Imagination – Invisiblites

Visual Literature: Tool for Navigating the Human Experience

In a world ruled by logic and data, literature’s greatness lies in its capacity to shed light on the human condition. Through stories portrayed in dramas, movies, and TV serials literature comprehends the complexities of emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas that defy simple solutions. Indeed, literature can be as informative about human psychology and behaviors as any scientific study. While science can provide numerical data on human behavior, literature enables us to certainly comprehend the personal, internal aspects of that behavior. However, that doesn’t mean that the literature doesn’t deal with scientific knowledge and how destructive it could be. The popular TV series Stranger Things delves deeply into the adversities and ethical dilemmas associated with scientific experiments, particularly those conducted in secrecy and with little regard for human life. Fiction not only deals with aesthetics but it talks about the unhealthy obsession with science and its consequences as well. The movies like Beautiful Boy and To the Bone deal with drug abuse and psychological issues, but affect the people going through it. The visual representation of such issues not only raises awareness among the young generation but also provides solutions to tackle such situations which the scientific world generally lacks. Furthermore, these movies not only discuss these issues but also show the reasons that served as the basis for them. This yet again defies the assumption that literature lacks structure, literary studies involve rigorous methods of analysis. All these structures often address complex human issues that are inherently ambiguous patterns. All these themes and symbols are studied with as much depth and commitment as scientists studying biological phenomena.

‘At once silent and eloquent’: a glimpse of Pakistani visual poetry – Invisiblites

Oral Literature: Bridging Art and Spirituality

Folktales, legends, etc are the old form of oral literature whereas music is considered the latest form of oral literature. The purpose of music cannot be restricted within a certain frame. It transcends the language barrier, helping people to connect universally. Besides having therapeutic and healing properties cultural heritage, traditions, and values have been reflected and preserved not only through the music but folklore and music. The rituals, celebrations, and communal practices are depicted in such stories which provide insight into the world gone by.  In many cultures, music is also the medium used for the divine in spiritual and religious rituals which science almost never deals with.

In a world dominated by algorithms and precision, literature reminds us of our humanity. It is not merely a relic of the past but a beacon guiding us toward a balanced and empathetic future.

---

Lalarukh Michael is a story writer and English Lecturer. She works as the Head of Department of English Department at Roots International. Her interests include art, history, literature, music, and movies.

Photo credits: Deviant Art via Creative Commons

Write for Invisiblites, guidelines at Write For Us – Invisiblites