Did you know that certain jobs require a high level of emotional intelligence to decipher what others are feeling? For instance, if you work in sales, comprehending your clients’ reaction to your pitch can be the difference between closing a deal and losing it. The good news is that there’s a simple way to boost your emotional intelligence and ability to read other people’s thoughts: reading literary fiction.
The Power of Literary Fiction
According to studies at the New School for Social Research in New York City, reading literary works can improve your “Theory of Mind (ToM),” which refers to your perception of what’s happening in other people’s minds. The research found that delving into books that have been National Book Award finalists or winners of the 2012 PEN/O. Henry Prize for short fiction can enhance your ability to understand the mental states of those around you.
Interestingly, light fiction from the best-seller list and nonfiction works did not have the same impact on ToM. The researchers believe that this is because literary fiction demands more intellectual engagement and creative thought from readers.
Getting Lost in Literary Worlds
The uniqueness of literary novels lies in their ability to transport us into worlds filled with complex characters and narrative styles, forcing readers to use their imagination and critical thinking skills. These fictional worlds are like our reality, featuring intricate individuals whose inner lives cannot be easily discerned, but are certainly worth exploring.
By immersing ourselves in these stories, we develop a better understanding of the different emotions and thoughts that motivate people. This, in turn, allows us to perceive and react to the feelings of those around us, improving our ToM.
Reading Recommendations to Enhance Emotional Intelligence
If you want to improve your emotional intelligence, consider adding these critically acclaimed literary works to your reading list:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This classic novel explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth while following the lives of a young girl named Scout and her father, a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Follow the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they overcome social barriers, preconceived notions, and their own flaws to find love.
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: This coming-of-age novel tells the story of a teenage boy, Holden Caulfield, as he struggles with isolation, self-worth, and the adult world.
- Beloved by Toni Morrison: This haunting novel deals with themes of family, love, and the trauma caused by the history of slavery, following the life of a former slave trying to reconcile her past.
Incorporating Reading Into Your Routine
To see positive results, try incorporating literary fiction into your daily routine. Whether you set aside time before bed or read during your morning commute, the important thing is to find ways to make it a regular habit. Aside from enhancing your emotional intelligence, reading has been proven to reduce stress and foster better brain function.
Closing Thoughts
The concept of boosting your emotional intelligence through reading literary fiction may seem simple, but its effects can be life-changing. Interacting with others becomes easier when we can better understand and empathize with their thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. So go ahead, pick up a literary work, and let your imagination run free.
