In his book "Norwegian Wood," Haruki Murakami emphasizes the importance of independent thought and the value of broadening one's horizons through reading. He suggests that merely consuming popular literature limits one's perspective to conventional thoughts shared by the masses. This behavior is likened to that of less discerning individuals, indicating a lack of personal depth and critical engagement with ideas.

Murakami encourages readers to seek out diverse and challenging materials that provoke unique reflections and foster original thinking. By doing so, individuals can cultivate a richer understanding of the world, transcending the mundane thinking patterns associated with herd mentality. True intellectual growth comes from exploring varied sources of inspiration rather than settling for what is widely accepted.