---
title: "Can I go mad if I study too much of literature? Or is it just a myth?"  
description: "Can I go mad if I study too much of literature? Or is it just a myth?"  
author: "samay srivastava"  
published: 2018-03-05  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/36562/can-i-go-mad-if-i-study-too-much-of-literature-or-is-it-just-a-myth  
category: "literature & language"  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# Can I go mad if I study too much of literature? Or is it just a myth?

Can I go mad if I study too much of literature? Or is it just a myth?

## Answers

### Answer by Subhamay Ganai

## Can Too Much Literature Drive One Mad?

The relationship between [**literature**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98317/what-is-sangam-literature) and mental health has been a topic of discussion for centuries. It is often said that excessive reading of literature can lead to madness. But is there any truth to this claim, or is it just a myth? In this article, we will explore the connection between literature and mental health and try to determine whether excessive reading of literature can lead to madness.

### The Connection Between Literature and Mental Health

Literature can have a profound impact on our emotions and [**mental state**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_state#:~:text=A%20mental%20state%2C%20or%20a,exact%20definition%20of%20the%20term.). For example, reading a sad or tragic story can evoke feelings of sadness and empathy, while reading a comedy can bring about feelings of joy and laughter. However, excessive reading of literature, particularly of a certain genre, can cause negative effects on one's mental state.

For instance, reading excessive horror stories can cause [**anxiety**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/30359/how-to-overcome-from-anxiety) and fear, while reading excessively sad stories can evoke feelings of sadness and hopelessness. This can lead to a state of emotional exhaustion, leading to a reduction in the quality of life.

![Can I go mad if I study too much of literature? Or is it just a myth?](https://answers.mindstick.com/QuestionAnswer/1f9f26a2-c464-46c9-bfd1-cae0d05472fc/images/59c3e5f1-b68b-4768-9dc6-67c458b11417.png)

### The Myth of Madness from Literature

Despite the connection between literature and mental health, the idea that excessive reading of literature can lead to madness is a myth. While reading excessive amounts of literature in a particular genre can have a negative impact on one's mental state, it is not likely to cause madness.

Moreover, many studies have shown that reading literature, especially fiction, can have a positive impact on our mental health by improving empathy and reducing stress. Additionally, literature has been used as a therapeutic tool in various fields, such as [**psychology**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98403/is-social-psychology-scientific-in-nature) and psychiatry, to help individuals with mental health issues.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, excessive reading of literature can have a negative impact on one's mental state, but it is not likely to cause madness. While literature can evoke strong emotions, it can also have a positive impact on our mental health, providing comfort and solace in difficult times. So, it is important to maintain a balance between reading and other activities and to choose literature that is in line with our personal interests and mental state.


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/36562/can-i-go-mad-if-i-study-too-much-of-literature-or-is-it-just-a-myth

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