Books Are Humanity’s Superpower

cleocuizon
Feb 11
10 min read

Updated: Feb 12

A thorough reflection of how books have influenced humanity, most especially bookworms.

Written By: Cleo Cuizon

Date: 11 Feb, 2024

Before discovering my spark for literature in high school, my first love for books originated in middle school, where I was widely engaged with books containing series of long adventures. In most parts of my childhood, school days would consist of at least one day in the week for a mandated library visit. It would be my favorite hour of the day; not because I get to spend time with books, but because I get to hang out with my friends while doing that. The fond memories of getting a random book and finding a little corner with my best friends to giggle and joke around were moments I realized that I took for granted.

But enough of that part. The thing about reminiscing about my childhood library was that one day I discovered Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Before TikTok and Instagram Reels were invented, popular books were passed around based on the amount of hype my classmates raved about for months. And with taking their testimonies into account, I decided to give it a try.

Little did I know my first journey reading an adventure series would change my perspective of this genre, and books in general.

Years passed, and I continued to read various chronicles such as Lord of The Rings, Inkheart, The Inheritance Cycle, Game Of Thrones, and so much more. In addition, my beloved teachers offered timeless classics that further enhanced my love for reading. All these diverse experiences combined made me realize how much books have broadened my horizons of life and society.

And it made me wonder how I may not be the only one who has felt this influence, that besides my teachers who introduced this source in our daily lectures, this impact stretches beyond preceding generations of individuals who hold the same passion for the functionalities of literature.

Who knew that stories curated from a structure of words, manifested from the physical components of ink and paper, and further bonded with the highest quality of word or leather could shift the trajectory of society’s outlook on life?

In some ways, books epitomize our greater form of mortal excellence; in a fantastical sense, the creation of books has been deemed one of humanity’s superpowers.

Books Nurture Human Creativity:

Literature always demonstrated a diversity of human creativity through the form of words. Besides music, entertainment, and scientific inventions, books have been the hearth of knowledge that cater to one’s ability to imagine beyond mortal limits. It becomes this mental portal toward our imaginative world, thus encouraging the creativity that unleashes our humanness.

An article by Iris M. Tiedt proves this idea based on an observation she shared of children’s books and their impact on young students. Such wonder and imaginative concepts have caused learners at a young age to encourage their inner creativity and seek the world with a genuine curiosity that we see through children. One example from the text is the inference she gained from children who read Where Does the Butterfly Go When It Rains? By Mary Gaelick (New York: Young Scott Books, 1961):

“The wonderings of this child may lead the class to imaginings about what other creatures do when it rains--dogs, cows, caterpillars, flies, fish. Children can also talk about what they themselves do when it rains. How does rain change their way of life? What do they find pleasant about the rain?” (Tiedt 18)

The article further describes other children’s books that encourage this same level of wonder and engagement for concepts relevant to everyday life encounters, which would help them learn and properly interact with such scenarios at an early age (Tiedt 19-20). It shows how books inspire us to learn life through a magical lens and seek comfort in the prospects of learning new things, whether they may be easy or difficult. We encourage this ability to incorporate a sense of fantastical outlook towards life so that even if they outgrow them someday, they have something to look back on what once harbored a realm of imagination. Although this may seem like a sad ending for most of us— where would we lose the magic within ourselves— we still can’t deny how books introduced that fond memory into our minds. Books manifested our ability to initiate human experiences with courageous wonder. Thus, it manifests a fundamental proof of our excellence: imagination.

Books Represent the Most Complex Yet Beautiful Parts of Humanity:

With such creativity imbued within us, our abilities have motivated readers to perceive and resonate with messages conveyed through our wisdom. Understanding the self has been an ongoing practice humanity has studied for many generations. Within countless theoretical approaches to discovering the optimal truth, it further leads through vines of infinite data, stretching beyond eons of wisdom that timelessly connects with variations of the human experience.

Books have contributed to the formation of such phenomena and have further expanded as we reside in the technological age. The universal power that books hold is truly immense once contemplated; the way we can sway society solely from the formation of paper and ink. It’s amazing how such a simple gesture of writing a structure of words can make us feel so much and think meticulously about certain aspects or circumstances. Whether fiction or non-fiction, records of knowledge new or passed down from preceding generations have timelessly guided society through periods of influential milestones; and yes, it is all inclusive of the good and bad parts of our history. An article by Molly Strothmann and Connie Van Fleet resonates with the idea through a quote they include by Nell Victor:

“Over and over, in published studies and in the interviews with readers in my own study, readers say: books give me comfort, make me feel better about myself, reassure me that I am normal and not a freak because characters in books have feelings like mine. Books provide confirmation that others have gone through similar experiences and survived. Books help me clarify my feelings, change my way of thinking about things, help me think through problems in my own life, help me make a decision, and give me the strength and courage to make some major changes in my own life.” (Ross 509; Strothmann and Fleet 164)

Nell Victor’s testimony from readers regarding their unanimous consensus of a book’s influence shows how much our literary powers prevailed in its prominence. Starting from the root of our consciousness; we encounter scenarios evoking certain emotions or ideas. Then we become so moved by our discovery that we ruminate on such thoughts, further sharing our information by incorporating creativity to illustrate fictional artistry or philosophical theories that interpret the most complex yet beautiful concepts of the human mind.

With such ideas recorded and shared through other individuals, we unknowingly created this unfathomable power to shift society's mindset due to their resonance with such prospects. From the French Revolution, The Renaissance, World War I & II, and now with the Contemporary Era, we have countlessly transitioned from one phenomenon to another, proving humanity’s complexity and resilience against the odds of our mortal existence.

On a personal note: I find this the most astonishing asset our species has ever executed. Despite the ordeal that challenged our ability to stand against the test of time, this physical portal of timeless knowledge through books has reminded me of the terrifying power of our mind and spirit.

Serving as a prime epitome of our intelligence, books have proven how humanity has evolved by learning from our predecessors through their literary records and gathering prospects our descendants can benefit from. From a brilliant perspective, books become this portal of friendship that we create between generations; how we can confide with one another because of the ideas and experiences so universal. We then develop a sense of camaraderie due to the instances we find relatable. From George Orwell’s 1984 to Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games, the concept of a dystopian environment remains prevalent despite the difference in time and generation. The unanimous discontent against a dictating system infers our ability to transcend beyond generations and reminds readers of the significance of our humanness.

Thus, this makes books a physical beacon of our intelligence and creativity; and by far one of the greatest creations we have sustained (besides bread and cheese, of course).

Books and Their Timeless Significance:

Upon further reflection on how books have largely impacted humanity, I further contemplate the efforts to preserve them. And ironically, the most effective approach (if I’m not mistaken) would be ruminating on its absence. While reading through an article by Pearl S. Buck, she thoroughly explained the dangers of society structured to live without books, and how monumental points in human history have further proven the detrimental outcome of censorship (Buck 169-170). To fathom a world without books would be any bookworm’s nightmare, but for Buck, such a theoretical outcome goes beyond that thought.

The absence of books further affects how society progresses with the resources given to maintain intellectual growth. With books restricted from their accessibility of endless knowledge, Buck considers how a community could not pursue diverse experiences and skills without the guidance of preceding scholars who intended to share the insights needed. That narrows our prospects towards those who govern the community— our leaders. Such authoritative positions, whether they choose to ban books or limit them, become a consequential decision, thus leading to a society manipulated by limited knowledge, or worse filtered information hindering transparency (Buck 171).

It made me realize how such a totalitarian approach toward the world and truth becomes such a terrifying fate to embark on: a governing system to manipulate one’s educational system, entering into a deeply narrowed tunnel, almost hypnotic path of ignorance limiting my individuality and prosperity. To restrict the capabilities of the human mind into a constricted box that conforms—even worse acquiesces—to praise the absolution of one being is a world I hope to remain fictional.

But the aspiration to help society recognize the importance of books is no new feat. From dystopian novels to articles like Buck’s, the advocacy for literary growth has been an aspiration humanity has been sharing in opinions and ideologies. One notable approach for this generation would be the rise of the Bookish community within social media. Commonly known as Bookstagam or Booktok, the young generation of readers creates a movement that emphasizes the importance of literacy.

And how do they do that, you might ask? By simply posting pictures or videos about books!

Individuals from all over the globe congregate on these social platforms to share topics and aesthetic visions of anything relating to literature, creating an influential space for people to make accounts— even publishing organizations, bookstores, and libraries—and develop a wholesome community of shared interests.

Another situation proving this generation’s love for books is this heroic feat in saving a once dwindling brick-and-mortar shop that is now one the renowned faces in any bookish platform; this would refer to the revival of Barnes & Noble. During the pandemic, it poses a predictable outcome that electronic books will thrive more while the business prepares itself for closure. However, the rise of the bookish community further encourages the need for physical books that are not only accessed in online shops but even at an actual bookstore (Tulfo,2024). With individuals flocking through a Barnes & Noble branch, posting their latest shopping haul, or recording their trips at the shop, the business eventually disregards its plans for closure and regains affluence. In addition with new management and marketing strategies correlating to the demands of Booktok and Bookstagram users, their business flourishes as a trademark for today's generation of avid readers.

From past studies to today’s monumental movements of revival, we see how humanity has continued to preserve the significance of books. It might be apparent that such intent is rooted in the preservation of one’s fond hobby. But it also preserves the individuality represented in books and is then reciprocated by the reader's engagement for its profound wisdom and wonder. We have seen how books have helped us to perceive beyond the scope of our daily routine of just “existing”, and embark on imaginative adventures or intellectual reflections transforming one’s outlook of many things. We resonate with similar experiences and broaden our perspective by the introduction of new ones.

We exemplify the prominence of certain virtues or scenarios, that constitute humanity's power to connect no matter the generation, culture, and time our mortality limits us. If you consider this prospect; books are the physical epitome of our indomitable spirit.

In March 2024, I stumbled upon a new article about our local bookstore here in Saipan—the sole running bookshop to date—was officially closed for business. The heartbreaking news becomes even more disheartening knowing of my initial intentions of helping the business, as articulated in my first post. I was quite saddened by their departure, knowing that the only source was either through the library or online shopping. Although library visits are equally enjoyable, I still contemplate the dismaying idea that our community will not indulge in the wonders of having a bookstore.

With such reflection I wrote here, it made me wonder: If I am this passionate about the love of books, what can I do to create that impact on my local community? How exactly can I revive our beloved bookshop back on our island?

I then thought of the idea of being that initiator. To take that first step in expanding a space for avid readers to share their love for books. To encourage more members in our community to openly advocate the importance of literacy, and it’s not just a "useless" hobby you do at home.

It would require extensive years of research, but I will set up a bookstore someday.

Works Cited:

Buck, Pearl S. “The Importance of Books.” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society (1908-1984), vol. 42, no. 2, 1949, pp. 167–78. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40188368. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Nell, Victor. “The Psychology of Reading for Pleasure: Needs and Gratifications.” Reading Research Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 1, 1988, pp. 6–50. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/747903. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Strothmann, Molly, and Connie Van Fleet. “Books That Inspire, Books That Offend.” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 49, no. 2, 2009, pp. 163–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20865218. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Tiedt, Sidney W., and Iris M. Tiedt. “Imaginative Books Inspire Imaginative Writing.” The Elementary School Journal, vol. 66, no. 1, 1965, pp. 18–21. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/999234. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Tulfo, Erika. “Barnes & Noble Is Making a Comeback | CNN Business.” CNN, Cable News Network, 16 Nov. 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/11/16/business/barnes-and-noble-is-back-again/index.html.