My Metaphor for Literature 

If literature were an earthquake, its power would lie in its ability to shake the very foundations of our beliefs, dismantling the rigid structures of bias, ignorance, and preconceived notions. Just as an earthquake disrupts the landscape, forcing a reconfiguration of what once seemed unshakable, literature challenges inherited perspectives and compels individuals to rebuild their understanding on a more conscious and enlightened foundation

I was never personally against any religion or community, but I grew up surrounded by people who were deeply dogmatic toward each other’s beliefs and community. Over time, their views began to influence me, even though I never fully shared them. It was only through literature—especially existential philosophy and the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre—that I experienced a shift within myself. Sartre’s notion that "humans are condemned to be free" made me realize that every person is responsible for their own choices and beliefs. We may not be able to change how others think, but we can at least show them that such biases are harmful to a healthy society.

Another major shift came in my perspective on religion. Before studying literature and philosophy, I considered myself religious. But then I encountered Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous declaration, "God is dead." His argument about the decline of religious faith in the wake of scientific advancement made me question my own beliefs. There may be the possibility of God’s existence, and even if it is true, I no longer believe that God has any involvement in human affairs. The idea that resonated with me the most was Nietzsche’s concept of the "Übermensch" or "Superman"—the idea that humans must create their own values and morals rather than relying on external doctrines. Since "God is dead," we are free to shape our own destinies, taking full responsibility for the lives we choose to lead.

At first, these tremors of literature were unsettling to me. They challenged long-held perspectives and shook the ground beneath my feet. But just as an earthquake reshapes the land, literature and philosophy reshape the mind. They force us to confront the fragility of our assumptions, to look beyond cultural conditioning, and to question the narratives we once accepted without hesitation.

Moreover, like an earthquake, the impact of literature is not always the same for everyone. Some books cause only minor tremors—small shifts in perspective—while others create seismic changes, fundamentally altering how we view history, identity, morality, and even ourselves. The aftershocks linger, much like the lasting influence of a transformative book, continuing to shape our thoughts long after we have finished reading.

This is what literature has done for me—it has shaken my world, challenged my beliefs, and helped me see beyond the biases I once unconsciously carried. And in doing so, it has allowed and will further allow me to rebuild my understanding of life on a stronger, more open foundation.

What I believe is that this metaphor of an earthquake reflects the process of Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn. Literature shakes the foundations of what we once believed, dismantles outdated notions, and pushes us to reconstruct our understanding with greater wisdom. It is through this continuous process that we evolve—not just as individuals, but as a society.