Content characteristics of literature: the content of literature reflects people's knowledge level in a certain social and historical stage; The existing forms of documents (such as recording means, writing materials, composition and communication methods, etc.). ) were influenced and restricted by the development level of social science, technology and culture at that time
For example, before the invention of paper, the ancients in China could only make records on Oracle Bone Inscriptions, bamboo slips and silk books; Before the invention of block printing, the ancients could only record documents by hand. However, it was on the basis of the accumulation of experience in the primary and primitive stage of literature that paper and block printing were invented, which made the recording method of literature more convenient, more widely spread and faster. People also learn from literature and contribute to society with knowledge, thus greatly promoting the development of social civilization.
It can be seen that the level of social development determines the content and form of literature, and the inheritance, dissemination and creative application of literature react on society and become a powerful factor in social development. Gorky, a famous writer in the former Soviet Union, famously said: "Books are the ladder of human progress" in this sense.
Any scientific research must extensively collect documents and materials, analyze various forms of materials on the basis of full possession of materials, explore their internal relations, and then conduct further research. For example, Professor Needham of Britain spent decades writing the world-famous masterpiece History of Science and Technology in China, which was written on the basis of a large number of ancient scientific and technological documents in China.
Literature is very important to human civilization and social progress. Regardless of ancient and modern times, anyone engaged in scientific research needs to rely on relevant literature. Classical literature plays an increasingly important role in the modern research of many disciplines, and people pay more and more attention to it. I believe that in the modern information society, classical literature will play a greater role by making full use of modern scientific and technological means.
The accumulation, summary, storage and improvement of society and knowledge of nature by human beings are mainly realized through the recording, sorting, dissemination and research of documents. Literature can make human knowledge break through the limitation of time and space and spread for a long time.