What are the real benefits of reading fiction?

[Katya98]

If everything is clear with scientific books (obtaining new subject knowledge), then with works of art - not so much. What can be positive aspects (including for the human psyche)?

[Little_Bumblebee]

So I did a... like... 10-second research, cause even though I knew about the fundamental benefits, I knew there were some other things I couldn't remember.

1. Reading Fiction Helps to Improve Creativity and Judgement
2. Reading Fiction Enhances Our Imagination
3. Reading Fiction Makes Us Empathic
4. If You Read Fiction, You’re not going to Kick the Bucket Soon
5. Reading Fiction Improves Our Social Skills
6. Enhances our Understanding of the World
7. Regular Fiction Readers Sleep Better
8. Reading Fiction Improves Memory
9. Fiction Helps in Vocabulary Development
10. Reading Fiction Makes Your Time Valuable

Source: https://elifnotes.com/benefits-of-reading-fiction/

And let's just not forget about the pure enjoyment of diving into another world and getting lost in your own.

[jennifer_bloom]

Fiction is useful as a fable or moral teacher but not as an exploratory simulation for fantasy purposes.

[Joker_]

So I came up with a list of 10:

1. Reading Fiction Helps to Improve Creativity and Judgement
2. Reading Fiction Enhances Our Imagination
3. Reading Fiction Makes Us Empathic
4. If You Read Fiction, You’re not going to Kick the Bucket Soon
5. Reading Fiction Improves Our Social Skills
6. Enhances our Understanding of the World
7. Regular Fiction Readers Sleep Better
8. Reading Fiction Improves Memory
9. Fiction Helps in Vocabulary Development
10. Reading Fiction Makes Your Time Valuable

[lightbulb27]

probably grows imagination part of brain, fostering creativity, which helps mankind progress... for if we just deal with what is in front of us, then we are not much more than apes. I think it creates an escape for some... from their current realities, to live in fantasy world.

question is... could that time be better served by being more "present"... like monks, or serving mankind in the moment, enjoying a moment on a sandy beach watching a flower grow?

[RawIronhide]

So fictional writing attempts to articulate things beyond quantifiable logic or data. Concepts in relationships that are apart from science but have value.
Take The lord of the rings for example, one of it's main concepts was actually about the purpose and importance of friends. Like how samwise carried frodo to the top of mount doom. Sure frodo was the main character and even the savior of humanity but he couldn't or wouldn't have done it without his best friend.

[Kaneki05]

There are tons and you 100% learn from them. Plus people tend to enjoy fiction more, and enjoyment is really important part of learning and keeping that information.

[Astarlessnightsky]

You can learn from fiction as well, you learn/get better at the language, you improve you grammar and spelling, and most importantly you live through stories you enjoy.

[Heartache0405]

Reading fiction is (should be anyway) an escape from reality. Pure entertainment for entertainment’s sake.

[dustybiker]

Creativity. Escapism. Healing. Fun. Highly recommended.

[zagor]

Besides the obvious ones of entertainment and imagination, there is exposure to other ideas that may be more understandable (or less boring) than when presented in non-fiction form.

[SurströmmingLover]

I suppose reading fiction can be helpful/beneficiary in terms of escaping the daily routine/problems and get your imagination running. This might affect dreams, too.

[scooogy]

I've been interested in Franz Kafka's "the [court] process" and wondered about that until someone told me that the way I felt about it had similar reasons as Franz Kafka felt about it when writing it.

[IsoUser]

I think on a subconscious level that inspires our collective creativity. Me personally I prefer SciFi and Horror Lol I enjoy John Grisham, Stephen King, Clive Barker, and many others

[Deathraider]

Fun, I guess.

Also some books has a message to them.

[OddBeMe]

reading in general exercises the brain differently than watching tv. and there's a lot of truth in fiction.

[Jamie05rhs]

Expanding vocabulary as well as social and emotional intelligence.

[Xtendable]

It inspires, allows us to imagine and for those who aren’t creatively inclined, fosters a mental condition that allows for left-brained thinking

[noohair]

To develop the minds thinking and creating ability.

[Dinosaursandanime65]

Sometimes it’s to show them something that isn’t an illusion

[Flower7]

Being able to experience an adventure.

[TrueConfection]

First off, it's a mental vacation. 😎

[Andres77]

It all depends on the author.

[Andres77]

For me most fiction is entertaining and escapism.
But some, if the author educated himself in specific skills present in the story, it find educational.

[Waldoe]

it's a relaxing activity...

[EnglishEuropean]

It improves your grammar and vocabulary.