Death makes no distinctions; it comes to everyone. There may be no such thing as a death that one can accept gladly with complete peace of mind. That is precisely why “liberation from birth, aging, illness, and death” becomes one of life’s major themes. Furthermore, because everyone must eventually face death, the greatest happiness comes from savoring the joy of being alive right now and living in the present moment in harmony with others.

According to one study, people learn about themselves by reading stories, imagining the world within those stories, and empathizing with the characters. At the same time, reading seems to cultivate the empathy and sensitivity needed to understand other people’s positions and feelings, and to foster the sensitivity that inspires us to be considerate of others.

According to one study, people learn about themselves by reading stories, imagining the world within those stories, and empathizing with the characters. At the same time, reading seems to cultivate the empathy and sensitivity needed to understand other people’s positions and feelings, and to foster the sensitivity that inspires us to be considerate of others.