The original article by Harvard Business Review, titled "The Case for Reading Fiction," debunks the idea that reading nonfiction is more important than reading fiction. Christine Seifert argues that the valuable skills gained from reading literature, specifically fiction, are important in making better employees. Some of these skills include empathy, self-discipline, rational judgement, flexibility, critical thinking, and kindness. It is easy to assume that the best thing to gain from reading is knowledge, but that isn't always the case. Reading increases problem solving skills and social sensitivity. These are essential skills that employers look for. Seifert urges people to read and increase their chances of getting hired.
Seifert argues,"In other words, the act of reading is the very activity—if done right—that can develop the qualities, traits, and characteristics of those employees that organizations hope to attract and retain."
So much more is gained from reading fiction than is perceived. Don't get me wrong, reading nonfiction can be fulfilling and informational, and sometimes it can give you the same experiences that fiction does. But not always. When you read fiction you are constantly changing your mind in following along with the story. You feel for your characters, even when they do wrong. This increases your empathy. You're constantly guessing what's going to happen next, exercising your problem solving skills. Reading fiction creates well-rounded, fast thinking individuals, and that's something that employers look for.
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