Meaning: The quote "Literature is about as unnecessarily necessarily as tableware or ironed shirts" by Peter Bichsel, a Swiss writer, encapsulates a thought-provoking reflection on the perceived necessity of literature in our lives. Bichsel's comparison of literature to everyday items like tableware and ironed shirts hints at the simultaneous superfluousness and indispensability of literature in the human experience.

At first glance, Bichsel's assertion may seem paradoxical or even contradictory. However, upon closer examination, it unveils a profound insight into the multifaceted role of literature in society. By likening literature to "unnecessarily necessarily" items, Bichsel appears to suggest that while literature may not be a utilitarian necessity in the same way as, say, food or shelter, it holds an intrinsic value that is essential to the human condition.

One interpretation of Bichsel's quote is that literature, like tableware and ironed shirts, serves a practical purpose in enhancing and enriching our lives. Just as tableware facilitates the act of dining and ironed shirts present a polished appearance, literature fulfills a need for intellectual nourishment and aesthetic pleasure. It provides a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and the exploration of complex human experiences, thereby contributing to our emotional and intellectual well-being.

Furthermore, Bichsel's comparison may also allude to the cultural and societal significance of literature. Just as tableware and ironed shirts are symbols of refinement and social decorum, literature plays a crucial role in shaping and preserving cultural identity, transmitting collective wisdom, and fostering empathy and understanding among diverse communities. In this sense, literature becomes "necessarily unnecessary" in its capacity to cultivate a shared sense of humanity and connect individuals across time and space through the universal language of storytelling.

Bichsel's quote also invites contemplation on the enduring nature of literature and its timeless relevance. While tableware and ironed shirts are products of specific cultural and historical contexts, literature transcends temporal boundaries, speaking to the universal aspects of human existence. Whether through classic works or contemporary writings, literature continues to resonate with readers across generations, reflecting and refracting the human experience in all its complexities and contradictions.

Moreover, the juxtaposition of "unnecessarily necessarily" in Bichsel's quote prompts consideration of the intrinsic value of literature beyond its immediate practical utility. Unlike essential commodities, literature may not be a matter of survival, yet its capacity to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke profound emotions imbues it with a profound significance that defies mere utilitarianism. It serves as a repository of human imagination, creativity, and collective memory, offering solace, enlightenment, and a sense of transcendence in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges.

In conclusion, Peter Bichsel's quote encapsulates a nuanced reflection on the nature of literature and its place in the human experience. Through the analogy of "unnecessarily necessarily" items, Bichsel illuminates the dual nature of literature as both a non-essential luxury and an indispensable facet of our cultural and emotional lives. By prompting contemplation on the practical, cultural, enduring, and intrinsic dimensions of literature, Bichsel's quote invites us to recognize and celebrate the enduring relevance and profound significance of literature in our world.