I tell my students, it's not difficult to identify with somebody like yourself, somebody next door who looks like you. What's more difficult is to identify with someone you don't see, who's very far away, who's a different color, who eats a different kind of food. When you begin to do that then literature is really performing its wonders.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker emphasizes the importance of expanding one's empathy and understanding beyond people who are similar to oneself. They explain that it is relatively easy to relate to someone who is similar in appearance or cultural background, as they are familiar and relatable. However, true growth comes from being able to connect with and understand individuals who are different from oneself, whether in terms of physical characteristics or cultural practices. The speaker suggests that literature has the power to facilitate this type of connection and enable people to broaden their perspectives, ultimately allowing for a deeper understanding of humanity as a whole.

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