Why do we study literature?

I guess the question could be asked, "why do we study anything?" The process of studying is for the purpose of obtaining something-knowledge. Literature, like many subjects, has many layers and many different sections (genres). I guess the main reason to study it would be to understand the different scopes of humanity. I enjoy studying literature because it takes me into the lives of the characters, into the world in which they live. I like to see the way they react to certain situations and I enjoy being inside their heads and feeling what they feel. Even when reading non-fiction, the knowledge that I gain from reading literature is immensely valuable. In studying literature it opens up so many different doors to knowledge. The possibilities for what you can obtain and learn are limitless.