Books Quote by John Connolly
“I think the act of reading imbues the reader with a sensitivity toward the outside world that people who don't read can sometimes lack. I know it seems like a contradiction in terms; after all reading is such a solitary, internalizing act that it appears to represent a disengagement from day-to-day life. But reading, and particularly the reading of fiction, encourages us to view the world in new and challenging ways...It allows us to inhabit the consciousness of another which is a precursor to empathy, and empathy is, for me, one of the marks of a decent human being.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: On Reading and Empathy, 2018
Reading, especially fiction, cultivates empathy by letting us experience others’ consciousness.
In simple terms: Reading helps us feel what others feel.
Key Takeaway
Read fiction to grow empathy.
Themes
literature
empathy
personal growth
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- personal development
- social interaction
Key Concepts
fiction
sensory immersion
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fiction differ from non‑fiction in building empathy?
- Can reading replace real‑world experiences?
A Different Perspective
Reading is a solitary act, not a social one.
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