“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
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Quote
“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis reflects on the unique power of literature to transform and enrich our understanding of reality. He suggests that literature is not merely a reflection of the world, but rather an enhancer of it—adding depth and meaning to the ordinary experiences of life. Rather than simply providing a description of the world around us, literature allows us to experience it in a more profound way, helping us understand complex emotions, moral dilemmas, and human relationships. In this sense, literature does not merely replicate reality; it expands our perception of it, offering new insights and perspectives. Lewis also likens literature to irrigation, suggesting that it nourishes our lives and helps cultivate the emotional and intellectual depth that daily existence can often lack.
Historically, Lewis was a lifelong advocate for the transformative power of stories, particularly within the context of his Christian faith and intellectual life. As a professor of literature, he understood how stories and myths could provide moral and spiritual insights that were not easily conveyed by factual or scientific discourse. For Lewis, literature had the power to expand the imagination, helping readers experience life through the eyes of others and come to understand deeper truths about human nature. His own writings, from The Chronicles of Narnia to The Screwtape Letters, reflect this belief in the capacity of literature to offer more than mere entertainment—it offers wisdom, empathy, and spiritual insight.
In the modern world, where many people face the distractions of technology and the pressures of everyday life, Lewis’s words remind us of the importance of literature in deepening our understanding and connection to the world. Whether through fiction, poetry, or philosophical works, literature irrigates the deserts of modern life by reminding us of our shared humanity, encouraging us to engage with complex emotions, and offering us new ways of seeing the world around us. This quote invites us to approach literature not just as a form of escapism, but as a way to reinvigorate our inner lives and enrich our daily experiences.
