Politics and literature
Politics is the combination of ideas and activities that are concerned with gaining and using power in a country. By using political power and influence politicians sometimes gain personal advantage.
The question “Should our politicians study literature?” arises from the persistent failure of our politicians in discharging their responsibilities. An ominous fact has been evidenced that in Bangladesh politics more or less is looked upon purely as a business venture in which one would invest a large amount of money in the expectation that once elected, one can extract handsome financial reward. Since the country's independence, the rich and the mighty entrenched groups have had the monopoly to hold on to the state power.
Political leaders are often found to be greedy and selfish. Their professional love of the people frequently turns out to be hypocritical. Hence, literature may be considered a powerful tool to create awareness among the politicians.
The habit of reading literature, poetry, fiction, prose etc can really help people to look at life in a positive way, highlighting the value of honesty, welfare and other human qualities. The habit of reading literature benefits the readers in every way, making them worthy citizens. The role of literature in enhancing the quality of politics and politicians is widely acknowledged. Literature generates love, mercy, humanity, sympathy and moral values as well in us.
Writings of William Shakespeare and other great authors can be not only a source of great pleasure but a genuine source of moral teaching and knowledge needed to be an enlightened person.
Literature is an inevitable part of our understanding of human nature. Since corruption has grasped politics in our country, the politicians must get the lessons of literature for acquiring essential human values.
Sophocles' play 'Antigone' can teach us not to cross the limit. Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Gora' make us politically conscious and thoughtful. As language plays a vital role in politics, politicians should read literature to strengthen their language.
Great literature endows us with the sense of justice, question of choice and its consequences.
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