p. 26 | Why We Should Study Literature by Robert A. Beckner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

Why We Should Study Literature

By Robert A. Beckner

WHY should we study literature?—Because by the study of the literature of a nation we become acquainted with the best thought of the best minds, and we have brought to our notice the highest ideals and the noblest motives of that nation’s noblest minds. By beholding we become changed; and by constant association with that which is high and noble, we acquire a distaste for that which is coarse and unworthy, and turn from it as we would from base, or low, associations.

The study of the lives of writers is not always beneficial; for they can never rise above their ideals, and often fall far below them. The knowledge of this could only detract from the good that is in their writings. We want the best that an author can give. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise; think on these things.”

All true wisdom comes from God, either by the written Word or by the language of nature or by the promptings of the Spirit on the inner consciousness of men. We should always keep in mind that even men of great genius are subject to the same human passions as ourselves, so we can not expect perfection in them.

Now come the questions, What shall we read? and what is literature? In a general sense, literature embraces anything written or printed. There is light literature, which requires no thought on the part of the reader; trashy literature, which has no real value; pernicious literature, which is really harmful; then there is esthetic, or polite, literature, and the literature of art and science. But true literature is that which is marked by vigorous thought, a keen insight into human character, and a knowledge of the workings of nature. The language will be clear, expressive, symmetrical, and pure in diction. There are works that rank as standard literature that do not have all these qualities, but have some things of merit that give them a permanent value.

It is the test of years that decides what is standard literature. Such literature is valuable to the people as long as its language is spoken. It is addressed to no class or sect, but to the individual, and will be handed down from generation to generation. The Bible is the most striking example of this. Its history, its prophecies, its precepts, its promises, its exhortations, were written for our instruction as well as for those who first heard them. Books that do not have the power to appeal to all classes are not likely to be long lived; they may make a commercial success, and be good current literature, but they do not add to the store of true literature.

There are two classes of literature—that which instructs, and that which arouses. There are some writings, however, that impart knowledge, whose chief aim is to arouse, and others that arouse, whose chief aim is to instruct. Books whose aim is only to instruct make no appeal to the emotions, but exercise the intellect alone. They are mechanical and accurate; and while they form a good storehouse for reference, they are not the only useful books. Literature that arouses has a mighty office. It inspires. It not only gives play to the intellect, but it excites the emotions. It not only makes men feel, but makes them act. It touches the heart, and shows man his relation to God, to his fellow men, and to nature, and gives him a love for all. Since nothing can reach its highest development except through its own action, the finer qualities of our being must be developed through their own action; and any book which calls them into healthy action, has been a power for good.

A good test of a piece of writing is the state in which it leaves us after we have read it. If it leaves us with a deeper reverence for God, and a sense of our obligations to him; with a warmer feeling toward mankind in general; a feeling for, and a greater desire to rescue, perishing humanity,—it has been a good thing for us to read. Sometimes a book is so exciting that the reader must wait until he gets back to his normal state (if he ever does) before he can decide on its effect upon him.

However, the all-important question to be asked in regard to any production is, Will it be useful hereafter? The more we learn to appreciate the wonderful works of God now, the greater will be our ability to appreciate them in the world to come. ROBERT A. BECKNER.