Why do we read literature?

There are so
many reasons that I'm not certain it can be summed up. 

Let's begin with the
fact that literature is the collection of human wisdom throughout history--psychology,
philosophy, theology, sociology, and history itself. It helps us see the world and others from
the perspectives of others who are unlike us, and it helps us see ourselves in new ways (and
through others' eyes). We read to benefit from the insights of others, to open our minds to
complexities of life and ambiguities of meaning. We read to explore and better understand other
cultures and...