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Originally Posted by dmaul1114
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I don't think fiction plays a large role in building intellect or knowledge. It may build vocabulary and verbal IQ, but that's only worth something if you use it to build your knowledge and intellect in other areas with factual information, science, theory etc. etc. etc.
As such I just think it silly for people like Hazlitt to be snooty about what fictional reading a person does. I care MUCH more about how their building their factual knowledge and developing their intellect.
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Good fiction certainly plays a role in building both intellect and knowledge. It can provide a foundation,particularly in the early years, upon which one can build broader knowledge and understanding.
As with a lot of things, achieving a good balance may be the key. I don't think it is wise to dismiss the value of good literature, just as it would not be wise to dismiss the value of social sciences, because they are not "hard" science, like physics. Nor would it be wise to dismiss someone's interest in M-Theory, because it may be esoteric.
At the same time, I am puzzled by the need of so many to qualify their statements about "good" and "bad" literature, or art in general. Just like most things in life, all book are not equal.