The Examined Life cover image

The Examined Life

Should you read more fiction? [Anna Gat]

Sep 12, 2024
Anna Gat, a founder and community builder and a voracious reader, dives deep into the often-overlooked value of reading fiction. She challenges the notion that fiction is merely indulgent, revealing its transformative power in personal growth and emotional intelligence. The conversation covers the fluidity of cultural distinctions, the reluctance of professionals to embrace fiction, and the emotional richness found in literature. Anna emphasizes the significance of community engagement through shared ideas, making a compelling case for the broader benefits of diverse reading practices.
01:01:50

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fiction is crucial for emotional understanding and personal transformation, offering insights into human experiences beyond what nonfiction provides.
  • Rethinking utility in reading reveals fiction's long-term benefits for emotional intelligence, in contrast to the immediate pragmatism of nonfiction.

Deep dives

The Importance of Fiction in a Nonfiction World

Reading fiction is essential, particularly for individuals focused predominantly on nonfiction, as it provides a different yet profound form of utility. While nonfiction often aims at skill development and practical benefits, fiction enhances emotional understanding and life perspectives. Engaging with fictional narratives can change how readers perceive their lives and the emotions they face, transforming them as individuals by offering deep insights into human experiences. The host emphasizes that fiction serves more as a means of self-discovery and emotional resonance, which cannot be fully attained through the nonfictional lens.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode