The other day, my brother-in-law and I were having one of our friendly debates. We were talking about whether writing fiction is as "important" to society as, say, economics or business. We got a little more excited than usual, and ended at an impasse. I couldn't think of many reasons to back up my claim that fiction is at least equally as important as those things. I hadn't thought about it much before.
Now I have. :)
In summary, Fiction helps us understand things like:
- The Past (History)
- The Present (Society)
- The Future (Where we might go)
- Human nature (Beliefs)
- Religion (Good vs. evil)
A Julian Smith Video. :) Don't ya ever interrupt him when he's reading a book!
Fiction and History
Fiction can carry just as much truth as history does. History is written by very subjective people, who can write that an event happened, but can distort their own perspective on how it happened.Fiction might not tell about events that actually happened, but it can tell about how events can happen, the truth of people's reactions, actions, and thought processes with those things. People and possibilities is what fiction addresses.
Fiction and the Present
Fiction helps us to understand one another, to empathize with one another. It allows us to see things from a different point of view (which might not have originated from a fictional person).It increases our abilities to empathize because we are being invited to be intimately involved with another person's thoughts, emotions, and feelings. That level of intimacy is hard to obtain, even in marriage. Fiction helps us to see into the thoughts and minds of the types of people that we would normally never, ever see into.
Science Fiction and the Future
Science Fiction sometimes tends to predict the future, even if it isn't trying. But the real power of Science Fiction usually comes from its warnings. Science Fiction does not concern itself with being perfectly prophetic, that's not its point.
The kernel of truth comes when Science Fiction writers focus on one part of society, one problem or one potential problem, and extrapolate where it could go. Different technologies and different societal beliefs could lead to very, very big problems or big successes. Racism, fascism, humanity and technology, technology and morality, the list goes on of the warnings and the hope that we can find within Science Fiction.
Fiction and Belief
Fiction, the more enthralled we are with it, can effect belief even more than non-fiction:
"This research consistently shows that fiction does mold us. The more deeply we are cast under a story’s spell, the more potent its influence. In fact, fiction seems to be more effective at changing beliefs than nonfiction, which is designed to persuade through argument and evidence. Studies show that when we read nonfiction, we read with our shields up. We are critical and skeptical. But when we are absorbed in a story, we drop our intellectual guard. We are moved emotionally, and this seems to make us rubbery and easy to shape."(see "Why Fiction is Good for You", which has many great insights).
Lord of the Rings has definitely effected my view of the use and abuse of the natural world, and what we sacrifice for the advance of technology. And a great many of my beliefs come from stories in ways that are so subtle that I can hardly differentiate between my beliefs from fiction and my beliefs from elsewhere.
Most people don't realize how much stories effect their belief system. Since we were children, we have had books read to us, TV shows shown to us, all of which taught us morals and beliefs. We may cringe now when such kids' shows come on or we see cheesy little story books, but they formed us and molded us. And anything that you read now still will.
Of course, that is why we should be careful about what we watch or read, the bad content WILL have an effect on us and our morals, beliefs, and mindset. But, even fiction that contains some of this content, or implies it, allows us to judge that behavior, condemning it as wrong. You have to be careful with what you watch and read. Of course, you have to be equally as careful with what investments you make, what people you hire, what chemical you use, what formula you employ, etc.
Fiction and Religion
This is usually where Fantasy shines. Religions and their implications abound in Fantasy. Religious wars, religious super-powers, religion and society, religion and truth. It offers up a plethora of options to think about, to understand. This can lead us to question our own religion, and fiction can even provide arguments on behalf of a particular religious lifestyle.
It can offer perspectives on the nature of good and evil. Questions about: What is right? What is wrong? Does the end justify the means? When does a wrong act become right? How should we orient our moral compass? What things should we consider?
Fiction can teach us about the intricacies of truth and what it is. It may not give the answers, but it can certainly intrigue us enough to ask the right questions. Is there a God? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going after this life, if anywhere? It may postulate answers to what happens after this life, and it may (through prophecy and free will) postulate why we are here on this world now. Is there a higher power directing the events of our lives for good?
In Conclusion
When a recession or a depression happens, overall book sales of the major publishing houses goes down. But, the sales of fiction actually goes up during these times. Just like cosmetics, doesn't matter if people are dirt poor, they will go and buy a novel.
So, after waking up at six in the morning after thinking about it, and doing a little bit of web research, I think I can say that YES, Fiction is equally as important as other fields. It enhances empathy and draws us together around common values. (again, see article). Just like any skill set, it can be used for the good or ill of mankind. I intend to use it for good, for entertainment, and for the bettering of humankind.
Of course, all of this could be some crazy justification for my chosen career, but something makes me not think so. :)
Cheers!
