For almost as long as the rest of the world has been aware of them, the English have been seen as an irreligious people. They broke away from the Catholic Church in the 16th century, and, in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, when they vastly expanded their empire, they were more interested in establishing trade than building churches. So, perhaps it is fitting that English has become the language of choice for business.

Yet, despite the fact that more than half of the people in England do not belong to a religion, despite the fact that more than half of their adults have never attended any religious service of any kind, the average English person would think of himself or herself as being deeply spiritual. Ask them where or when they experience this spirituality, and the answer they will give you would involve either a walk in the country or reading one of their writers or poets. You won't hurt their feelings too much if you tell them English food is terrible. If they see their flag being burnt on TV, many of them will hardly feel anything at all. But if you slander the English language, or put down their writers, poets and playwrights ― Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Austen, etc. ― watch out!

English Literature is important because of the world standing of the English people and the English language. It is important also because of its connections with different peoples and different cultures, including Japan and Japanese Literature. Many Japanese writers were, first, readers of English Literature. There was something about the Literature of England that caused people like Natsume Soseki, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, and many others, to create their own very special brand of Literature. Our world continues to change. People are calling out for new voices. Read English Literature; read more Japanese Literature. Perhaps, like Soseki and Akutagawa, you might find something that will help you tell the stories that we all need to continue the business of living.