One of the many articles inspired by Rudyard Kipling and his words quotes something he said that made a big impression when I first came across it:
“I am, by calling, a dealer in words; and words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind…”
Words can certainly be intoxicating and inspiring; they can also be a big and positive distraction for and have a very good effect on people who are suffering.
The article goes on to say this:
“I remember reading that Dennis Wheatley got large numbers of letters from people in hospital who said that his books helped them to forget their pain.”
An explanation of how this works comes from A House Like a Lotus by Madeleine L'Engle, another article-inspiring writer:
“She smiled. “When we are listening to stories, then it is the story center of the brain which is functioning, and the pain center is less active. I go into the children’s wards of hospitals, where there are children in great pain. When I am telling them stories they laugh and they cry and in truth their pain is less. Mine, too.“”
This makes sense. Reading stories also works for other kinds of pain. The article about the reader's dilemma mentions reading for comfort in times of trouble and desolation. Children who are suffering because of neglect and ill treatment may find that reading fiction provides solace and a means of escape.
