I didn’t always believe in reincarnation, but my experiences (too much to go into here) have led me to that belief. I wouldn’t enforce this on anyone else, and I don’t believe such a belief should in anyway detract from my duty to be good to others in this life—quite the opposite in fact.

The issue we seem to be encountering is a common one. We are dealing with very broad signifiers (love, empathy, meaning) equipped with our own interpretation of said terms, which is in turn built upon the foundation of our utterly unique experiences.

I think you do understand that by saying most people read to escape, and those who read literature do it to ascribe meaning to their lives, you are making a gross generalisation. This can be easily challenged by simply asking ourselves the question:

"Why do I read?"

Any individual who reads regularly (whether that’s the Count of Monte Cristo, or Ulysses), would give you vastly different answers that cover a wide range of reasons.

For example, I read first and foremost for pleasure. I also read to escape. I read to learn about writing which (contrary to your assertion) great literature can teach you if you are approaching the text critically. I read to learn about other cultures, unfamiliar history, social mores etc. through the prism of edifying, poetic prose, and characters I enjoy following. There are so many facets to why I read, whether it’s manga, articles, graphic novels, high literature, poetry etc. that any answer I give as to "why I do it" is not only beyond the paltry words we have at our disposal, but also far in excess of your neat and provocative dichotomy.

You are entitled to read what you want. Many of my friends can’t be fucked with reading at all, tbh. Each to their own. Even when reading was at its supposed zenith, many people didn’t indulge in the pastime. But when you make comments that I believe you are too smart to stubbornly stand by (x group to this, y group do that) I am inclined to disagree. Do what brings you joy—that’s the main thing. And your article has certainly generated a lot of engagement, so there’s that.

Anyway, sorry for the long message. I wish you luck on your writing journey.

Edit: thank you so much for reading my piece! Just want you to know that I had no ill intent in writing all this—I enjoy a good a debate! We grow from different opinions, after all.