After having analyzed 17 pages of Martha Nussbaum making a passionate case for the importance of arts in a democratic society, I feel as if I have come to thoroughly understand her argument and the position she takes.

Since childhood, I have been an extremely avid reader. I was also told in my youth that I possessed an imagination like no other.Only after reading Nussbaum’s article did I realize the correlation between these two traits. Everything that I have read throughout my life, from the simplest lullabies to Judy Blume to F.Scott Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby, has expanded my thoughts and imagination in one way or another. The more complex the literary works, the more insight I am able to gather on both the complexities of human society as well as the experiences of individuals. Perhaps the greatest power of literature is that it gives the reader the ability to slip into the skin of another person. Arts, more specifically literature, is able to do this by exposing different perspectives, making us question “what if”, exploring similarities and differences in various social situations, and allowing for audiences to look at the world through a different lens.

Through such devices, literature allows for informed rather than ignorant judgement’s on society and the individual. This understanding can formulate into positive action in a democratic society. Perception and recognition, both of which stem from literature and the arts, are vital in having a conscious understanding of future political aspects in life. All of this: perception, the complexities we gain from literature and the arts, and the expansion of the imagination lead us towards the central idea of Nussbaum’s article: compassion and empathy. Having compassion is key, especially in a country that prides itself on multiculturalism and diversity. Democratically, this is necessary in bringing about the most fair and just government possible. Literature leads to a significant understanding of compassion, empathy and sympathy which, put to use in societal life, is imperative in being a democratic citizen.

In Plato’s literary dialogue Republic, the rulers of his perfect city are required to undergo years of rigorous musical training before they are deemed worthy to govern. Plato obviously understood the importance and necessity of arts in human society. Nussbaum definitely agrees with this viewpoint, emphasizing the political relevance of art throughout her article. I too agree that when being called upon to vote, compassion and empathy are vital in making a correct selection of the candidate, their policies, their viewpoints, etc. Between a politician who cares strictly for numbers and policy versus one who genuinely cares about the people he governs, the latter should win ten times out of ten.

Although the concepts discussed above and in Nussbaum’s article may seem abstract and unrelated to some, they work together and complement one another allowing for them to be applied politically and democratically in real life situations. Nussbaum argues that we must defend ideals against a common humanity as it is what we need to thrive democratically. Do you agree?