In her recent essay for The Guardian, Elif Shafak addresses the decline in reading habits, citing a YouGov poll revealing that 40% of Britons haven’t read a book in the past year. Despite this, Shafak emphasizes the enduring relevance of novels, highlighting their role in fostering empathy, emotional intelligence, and wisdom—qualities often overshadowed in today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh, she underscores the timeless power of storytelling in helping individuals connect with complex human experiences and rediscover shared humanity. Shafak argues that novels remain vital tools in making sense of a chaotic world, advocating for their continued relevance and necessity.