In my opinion, the significance of literature to our life is reflected in at least four aspects: it makes us know ourselves better, it makes us live more poetically, it makes us learn to express more elegantly, and it is the best way for us to get close to traditional culture. I will come to you one by one.
First of all, literature can help us to know ourselves better.
What is literature?
It cares about people and cares about people. Literature is created by human beings, describing human emotions, love and hate, joy and sadness, reality and hope. Behind a good literary work are living, rich and comprehensive people. The people behind it are not only the author, but also the people and readers in the book. We can all rediscover ourselves and humanity in literary works. Therefore, "literature is the study of human" is the expression of human emotion and soul.
Shangshu, an ancient book in pre-Qin period in China, put forward the viewpoint of "poetry expresses ambition", that is, poetry expresses people's feelings and aspirations.
The feelings and desires expressed in literature can make us truly understand ourselves and human nature. Those great works in the history of Chinese and foreign literature are all insights into human feelings and humanity.
For example, in the Book of Songs, "Guan Guan's dove is in Hezhou. The love songs of my fair lady and gentleman, as well as Qu Yuan's unyielding, noble and arrogant personality in Li Sao, are all worthy of our appreciation.
Another example is Tao Yuanming's poem "Drinking", which says, "Ask the monarch what he can, and his heart is far away from himself", which reflects a yearning for returning to nature's pastoral life.
It is probably difficult for us today to understand this sense of tranquility. Don't say that even if we really hide in the mountains, it is difficult to really have a peaceful heart.
So, why can Tao Yuanming do this? Why can he keep his mind at ease in the downtown area alone?
I think this is still related to the poet's mood. Literature gave him a peaceful mind, which made him jump out of this complicated and utilitarian world and avoid the flattering officialdom. Even in downtown, his inner world is idyllic.
After reading Tao Yuanming's poems, a peaceful and great soul will probably emerge in your heart. He can say no to the noise and complexity and show you the truest personality.
Look at A Dream of Red Mansions. Many people have read it. Among them, the protection and pursuit of beautiful youth and pure love is always touching. Read it once, even decades later, once you close your eyes, those vivid characters will still touch your heart. Many friends who are infatuated with A Dream of Red Mansions don't care how it reflects the decay of feudal society, but are deeply impressed by Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai, who are gentle and steady.
Therefore, literature is a human study, and its foundation is living humanity. Literature can fully express each of our feelings and hopes.