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Once, literature was a space where human existence was laid bare. Writers like Albert Camus, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka, and Virginia Woolf used literature as a means of confrontation against society, against fate, against the self. They were not concerned with comfort, nor did they seek to fit their words into a marketable structure. Their works were messy, filled with contradictions, unresolved conflicts, and questions that had no answers. And that is exactly what made them real.

But somewhere along the way, literature changed. Today, the books that flood the shelves—especially those deemed “bestsellers”—often seem to lack that rawness. They are structured, polished, refined to the point where the discomfort of real human experience is dulled. The rise of genre-based literature has played a huge role in this shift, pushing storytelling towards entertainment rather than introspection. Thriller, romance, fantasy, sci-fi—all of these genres, while capable of producing great literature, have been streamlined into formulas that prioritize readability over depth, satisfaction over struggle, and marketability over meaning.

The literary greats were not obsessed with readability or how many copies they could sell. Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment does not spoon-feed the reader a neat resolution—it drags you through the guilt, paranoia, and internal torment of Raskolnikov. Camus’ The Stranger presents a protagonist who feels nothing the way society expects him to, and for that, he is condemned. Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse meanders through thoughts and consciousness, often without a clear direction, because that’s how human minds work. These books are challenging not just in their language but in their themes. They force the reader to wrestle with morality, alienation, the absurdity of life, and the inevitable decay of all things.

Now, compare that to the kind of books that dominate today’s literary market. Most follow clear story arcs—beginning, middle, and end—structured in a way that keeps the reader comfortable. It’s not that complexity has disappeared entirely, but it has been tamed. Even books that explore dark themes often do so in a way that is digestible for a wide audience. They hold the reader’s hand instead of letting them wander into the abyss alone. 

Rise of genre fiction and the death of rawness

A major turning point in the decline of raw literature was the rise of genre-based storytelling. This isn’t to say that all genre fiction is shallow—there have been deeply introspective sci-fi books, psychological thrillers, and poetic fantasy works. But the majority of what gets published under these categories follows rigid formulas.

In romance novels, characters have clear motivations, conflicts, and resolutions. In thrillers, there is an inevitable twist or revelation, and in most cases, the hero triumphs. In fantasy, world-building often takes precedence over existential depth. These genres have been shaped by reader expectations, and because publishers know what sells, they continue to push books that fit into these patterns.

There is an obsession with writing styles that are “clean” and “accessible.” But reality is not clean. Human emotions are not linear. Thoughts are not always beautifully structured. A truly great book should leave you unsettled, questioning, perhaps even changed. It should not just be something you consume; it should be something you wrestle with.

Why do we need unpolished literature?

The world itself is not neatly structured. Life does not follow a traditional narrative.  Life is not a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. People do not always grow, relationships do not always resolve, and meaning is not always found. The greatest literature has always embraced this reality. People act irrationally, events happen without reason, and most of our questions remain unanswered. The greatest literature has always reflected that disorder. It does not try to comfort us; it forces us to confront things we’d rather ignore. 

Books like Notes from Underground (Dostoevsky) or The Plague (Camus) show us the depths of human suffering, self-destruction, and isolation. Mrs. Dalloway (Woolf) immerses us in the fragmented thoughts of a mind burdened by time and memory. These works do not try to make sense of life for us; they simply present it as it is. That is what makes them timeless.

It’s not just that modern books are too polished—it’s that they’ve turned into brain rot. Instead of challenging readers, literature has become a tool for distraction, feeding people easily digestible, surface-level stories that keep them comfortable rather than forcing them to think. Romance tropes are the biggest offender. They are everywhere, infecting even genres that were never meant to be about love. Every story now seems to revolve around predictable relationships, characters written solely to be adored, and emotional payoffs designed to give readers a quick dopamine rush.

Shraddha Acharya

BSc IInd year

Padma Kanya Campus

Let the ocean take me away

To a place far beyond reach

To a land far away

Where noone has a place to be 

where life is laid out in an eternal plane

Where limits have no bounds 

Where dreams come alive

Where mortals come to die

A life in eternal bliss

Sound so pure

The voice of ignorance

Sounds so quiet

But don’t let them see beyond the walls 

Beyond the old wooden door

Don’t let them see the pain

The suffering of the world

Just live in this peaceful place

No violence or war to be heard

Just let the quietness drown you

Just let the nothingness consume you

Arnav Shrestha 

A Level

LA College

With the growth of its power, China’s overseas interests are rapidly expanding. Along with this, in addition to the extreme containment and suppression by Western countries, there are also various ‘stigmatizing’ hype such as ‘neo-colonialism’, ‘debt trap’, ‘China threat theory’ etc.. This highlights the sharp cognitive opposition between China and Western countries in expanding overseas interests.

Expansion methods

Win-win cooperation vs zero-sum game

The concept of win-win cooperation proposed by China emphasizes achieving complementary resources and shared advantages through close cooperation with host countries, thereby fostering mutual benefit and ultimately leading to common development and maximized interests. The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, put forward by China in 2013 and based on the concept of win-win cooperation, has achieved numerous results, covering policy communication, facility construction, trade cooperation, investment growth, and project construction etc., injecting new momentum into global economic growth. China’s pursuit of a win-win development path in expanding its overseas interests is the right path for the world.

Driven by zero-sum game mentality, in international politics, Western countries focus on safeguarding their own interests, viewing China’s expansion of overseas interests as a threat to their own interests, and fearing that China’s strength could undermine their power and status in host countries. The zero-sum game mentality espoused by Western countries is detrimental to others and not beneficial to themselves, often leading to tension and conflict in international relations.

Expansion approach

Peaceful development vs ‘Thucydides Trap’

The term ‘Thucydides Trap’ is used metaphorically to describe the competitive situation among major powers in contemporary international relations. Specifically, when an emerging power rises and attempts to play a greater role on the international stage, it often clashes with existing powers in terms of resources, markets, influence, or geopolitical advantages. This situation of mutual confrontation and threat may ultimately lead to the outbreak of war. Based on the cognitive logic of Thucydides Trap, Western countries often pursue containment and suppression strategies towards the friendly cooperation between China and host countries in areas such as economy, military, and technology.

However, ‘Thucydides Trap’ is not an iron law, and war does not necessarily break out between major powers. China’s concept of peaceful development reflects the common pursuit of peace and development by countries around the world, offering the possibility to avoid the ‘Thucydides Trap’. Based on the concept of peaceful development, China has always been committed to becoming a builder of political peace, a contributor to economic development, and a maintainer of social order for host countries in the expansion of its overseas interests.

Expansion path

Co-consultation, co-construction, and sharing vs colonial plunder

The expansion of overseas interests by Western countries employs the bloody and brutal method of colonial plunder. Specifically, Western countries maintain their colonial rule through violent occupation of land and signing unequal treaties. By occupying, enslaving, and exploiting weak countries, they gain financial and trade privileges, as well as plunder natural, human, and strategic resources. They expand their sphere of influence and balance competitors through colonial expansion in order to ensure their own security and national interests. They regard themselves as disseminators of civilization, attempting to establish a kind of social structure and cultural identity in colonies that is similar to that of their homeland.

Guided by the principles of co-consultation, co-construction, and sharing, China promotes joint consultation with host countries in the expansion of overseas interests. This ensures that host countries have an equal voice and participation rights, enabling political disputes and economic conflicts to be resolved through consultations. Cooperative projects are jointly undertaken by both parties, with the results shared to foster mutual development and prosperity. Furthermore, it aims to involve citizens of host countries as participants, contributors, and beneficiaries of these projects, particularly ensuring that local residents also reap the benefits, thereby creating a conducive and friendly environment for the expansion of China’s overseas interests.

Expansion goal

Community with a shared future for mankind vs hegemony and power politics

Based on the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is dedicated to promoting high-quality development in host countries during the expansion of its overseas interests, implementing global development initiatives, global security initiatives, and global civilization initiatives in these countries. China is proactively addressing various complex social issues, and encouraging more citizens of host countries to participate in Chinese projects and share dividends, thereby contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the economic and social development of host countries and demonstrating its responsibility as a major power. The concept proposed by China has garnered support and endorsement from the majority of countries worldwide, particularly those from the ‘Global South’.

The hegemonic behavior of Western countries manifests as gross interference in the internal affairs of other countries, manipulation of international affairs, and expansion of spheres of influence through military means. The core idea of power politics is that ‘power is truth’, referring to the policies and activities of Western powers that bully the weak, arbitrarily dominate other countries’ people, interfere in other countries’ internal affairs for their own interests, and infringe on other countries’ interests. Based on the logic of hegemonism and power politics, Western countries have seriously damaged international peace and stability, the well-being of people all over the world, and the common interests of all mankind through various perverse acts in the world.

Conclusion

In response to the cognitive opposition between China and western countries in expanding overseas interests, China should uphold the concept of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, and strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind. At the same time, in countries where China’s overseas interests are expanding, China should take practical actions of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to practice its own propositions and demonstrate international fairness and justice.

The author is  Dean of China’s Overseas Interest Studies Institute at Yangtze Normal University

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

For decades, the notion of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ has formed the foundation of justice systems all around the world, including Nepal. It ensures that every accused has the right to fair trial and is not convicted without sufficient evidence. However, in recent years, the legal tenet of ‘presumption of innocence until proven guilty’ has been under intense attack, particularly in light of Nepal’s changing media scene. Traditionally, this notion has served as a foundation of justice, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly punished without due process. However, the development of media trials, social media conjecture, and sensationalist journalism has resulted in a troubling trend: the presumption of guilt unless proven innocent.

Media trials have become a common occurrence in Nepal, where high-profile cases are frequently subjected to severe scrutiny by news organizations. These trials often take on a life of their own, overshadowing the real judicial proceedings. Before the court could rule, media outlets bombarded the airwaves with sensationalized tales of the purported crime, leading to a widespread sense of guilt. The hurry to disseminate details frequently resulted in misrepresentations and mistakes, essentially damaging the assumption of innocence, which should accompany any criminal charge.

For instance, the case of Nirmala Pant, a teenager whose rape and murder in 2018 shook the nation, saw extensive media coverage. While the public’s demand for justice was justified, the media’s relentless focus on certain suspects without conclusive evidence led to a trial by the media. Innocent individuals were harassed and their reputations tarnished irreparably.

Social media platforms have added to the complexity of Nepal’s justice system. The speed and scope of these platforms allow rumors and speculation to spread unchecked. For example; the infamous case of an alleged sexual assault on a senior player in Nepali cricket soon sparked a social media frenzy, with hashtags rising in support of victims and cries for punishment. However, in the middle of the outcry, the accused was publicly vilified, despite the fact that the court procedure was still ongoing. 

The immediacy of social media often fosters a mob mentality, in which people cast judgement without fully understanding the situation. This phenomenon not only influences public opinion but it can also put pressure on law enforcement and judicial organizations to take actions that jeopardize the integrity of investigations. The instance of comedian Apurva Singh is an appropriate example. In 2022, Singh was accused of making indecent remarks during a stand-up performance. The outcry on social media was fast and intense, with many people demanding his arrest and punishment without a formal investigation. The court of popular opinion had already found him guilty, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping views of guilt. 

Such journalism not only misleads the public but it also fosters a climate of fear and mistrust with individuals being condemned based on insufficient or biased data. This raises crucial considerations regarding the media’s role in protecting justice and fairness. One significant case in our country was the 2015 earthquake relief scandal. Several people and organizations were accused of misappropriating donations intended for earthquake victims. The media's sensationalist coverage sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, despite the fact that many of the accused were eventually proven innocent. The damage to their reputations and livelihoods, however, had already occurred.

The ramifications of this transformation are substantial. The presumption of innocence is more than just a legal nicety; it is a basic human right. Individuals who are considered guilty face serious consequences, including social isolation, loss of work and even threats to their safety. This was clear in the case of a young Nepalese student who was accused of theft. Despite the absence of evidence, his name and face were widely circulated on multiple media platforms, creating a hostile environment that drove him to flee his hometown.

Socially, the weakening of the presumption of innocence produces a culture of dread and suspicion. Individuals may become reluctant to speak out or engage in public discourse, fearing that any accusation, regardless of its veracity, could lead to their social and professional ostracization. This culture of fear can stifle free speech and hinder the healthy functioning of a democratic society.

Furthermore, the legal system itself may suffer long-term consequences as a result of this erosion of rights. Judges may be under pressure to render decisions that reflect popular opinion rather than an unbiased evaluation of the facts when public opinion is strongly against the accused. The impartiality necessary for a fair trial is put in danger by these phenomena. 

Raj Pandey

Final year, BA LLB

Kathmandu School of Law