We read to know that we are not alone

We read to know that we are not alone

C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, once said, “We read to know that we are not alone.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the power of literature to connect us with others, both real and fictional, and to remind us that we are part of a larger community of human experience.

For Lewis, reading was not just a solitary activity, but a way to bridge the gap between individuals and to find common ground with others. Through the act of reading, we are able to enter into the minds and hearts of characters who may be vastly different from ourselves, yet who share the same hopes, fears, and struggles that we do. In this way, reading allows us to see ourselves reflected in the stories of others, and to realize that we are not alone in our experiences.