With Thanksgiving and the holiday season upon us, it’s a great time of year to reflect on what builds our character, and what has shaped us over the years. For readers, it’s easy to look back at our favorite stories and see the good we’ve gotten out of it. The bravery that heroes and heroines have instilled in us, our sense of family, and even our sense of self.
So, to say reading has made you a better person seems like a logical place to go — and science has your back now!
Psychologists believe that looking at the world through Harry Potter’s eyes has made us better people. The story has made us more attuned to the struggles of people in the world, because of the diversity, oppression and ideologies that the Wizarding World exposed to us. Scientific literature even supports that readers of Harry Potter are more likely to have lower levels of prejudice and higher levels of empathy. Studies also show that your “Hogwarts House” affiliations offer vast insights into who you are, intrinsically, as a person. The qualities that make up the houses, truly show who we are ⸺ Gryffindors are brave, Hufflepuffs are hard-working, Ravenclaws are intelligent, and Slytherins are ambitious. Not to mention, reading reduces stress and slows down memory loss ⸺ so, that’s a win-win all around!
So, if you are among the millions who are obsessed with Harry Potter, feel good about it! Be thankful for how it has shaped you, and be grateful that you can share the story with others, and spread a little light and love in the world. Curl up this holiday season for a cozy re-read, or even a first time endeavor! Remember: it’s never too late to be a part of the world’s biggest literary community. And besides, science is on your side!
Happy reading, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Originally posted on GoRead.com
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