4 Classic Books That Teach Life Lessons No School Can

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of digging deep into the fictional worlds created by great authors is increasing day by day. A lot of people think that reading fiction is an act to pass our free time. However, the truth is, great stories and novels can gift us priceless lessons and understanding about human life and nature. Indeed, for thousands of years, humanity has been imparting wisdom through the simple act of storytelling. Not convinced yet? Look at the incredible wealth of knowledge and imagination that is stored in the ocean of mythological stories that were produced by the ancient cultures throughout the world. In this article, we will learn about 4 exceptional classics of world literature that can teach you life lessons that no school or university in this world can provide.


An absolute masterpiece of world literature written by Fyodor Dostoevsky who is probably the greatest literary mind of 20th century. It is a novel that will open in front of you the existential storm that is happening within the human psyche. The central character of the work is the absolute sensualist Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov who has three sons. The first son Dmitri followed the path of the father when it comes to his perspective about sensualism. The second son Ivan becomes a respected intellectual. The third one Alyosha becomes a monk. Through these people and also through a number of other great characters, Dostoevsky will guide you through a plethora of philosophical perspectives and ways of looking at the world. In short, reading this novel is like taking a peek into the chaos and psychological complexities of the human soul as if we are looking at a rainbow through a prism. Go for it. This novel could become the best thing to happen in your life this year.


Franz Kafka’s masterpiece, The Metamorphosis, famously begins in this way: “When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin.” This novel asks some fundamental existential questions. What happens if an individual becomes unable to stand up from his bed, thereby becoming “useless” to his family and friends? What is the meaning of existence? Why are we here? This is a short novella. Give it a read and, it could be guaranteed that, new doors for understanding the world around you will be opened.


This classic by D H Lawrence, digs deep into the psychology of human relationships and bonding. What happens when a son becomes too traumatically attached to his mother to the point that it becomes almost impossible for him to create bonds with other women? What is love? How does trauma affects our relationship patterns and psychological wellbeing? Go for this book and your empathy and understanding about humanity will deepen for sure.


This short classic by the legendary author Ernest Hemingway is a masterclass in philosophically profound and thrilling storytelling. The old and veteran fisherman Santiago has not caught a fish for so many days that his acquaintances have started mocking him. Therefore, catching one has become a matter of pride and dignity for him. Most part of the novel depicts the immense odds and struggles that the old man has to overcome in order to catch a huge Marlin. This novella will show you the uncompromising side of nature and the indomitable spirit of humanity that can thrive through the greatest of odds and stress. At one point in the novel, during his unimaginable struggle to catch the marlin fish, Santiago tells himself: "But man is not made for defeat... A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

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