The article explores the profound influence of literature on human civilization, arguing that it is not merely an "unprofitable use" but a fundamental force shaping our world. It traces this impact through four historical stages: the initial control of writing by scribes, the "Axial Age" where "teacher literature" like philosophical and religious texts laid foundational ideas, the emergence of independent authors and new forms like novels, and finally, the widespread adoption of paper and printing leading to mass literature. The source also highlights how literary works inspire significant historical events, such as Alexander the Great's conquests driven by the Iliad, and how literature continues to shape human perception and drive exploration, as seen in the Apollo 8 mission. Ultimately, it posits that literature and its evolving technologies are inextricably linked, continually redefining our understanding of ourselves and the future.