The inner spaces that a good story lets us enter are the old apartments of religion.

In this quote, John Updike, a renowned American author, suggests that stories—particularly good stories—offer us a kind of spiritual or existential exploration that is akin to the profound experiences traditionally provided by religion. He compares the "inner spaces" of a story to the "old apartments of religion," implying that, just as religion once served as a space for deep reflection, connection, and understanding, so too can the world of fiction. A well-crafted narrative can open up emotional and intellectual realms that allow readers to explore questions of meaning, purpose, and identity in ways that are often parallel to spiritual or religious journeys.

Updike's comparison highlights the idea that literature and storytelling have the capacity to evoke introspection, provide comfort, and help people confront life’s mysteries, much like religious practices. Stories give us access to symbolic and philosophical realms that can shape our worldview or spark moments of enlightenment. In this way, stories become a kind of substitute for the spiritual and reflective spaces once reserved for religious devotion, offering a more personal and often secular form of insight and solace.

The phrase "old apartments" evokes a sense of tradition and nostalgia, suggesting that while religion may no longer hold the same central role in contemporary life, its function has not disappeared. Instead, it has been taken up by storytelling, where the emotional and psychological spaces once inhabited by religious thought now provide a similar kind of nourishment. By using this metaphor, Updike reflects his belief in the power of art and literature to fulfill some of the same needs that religion traditionally did—guiding us through moral dilemmas, offering comfort in times of uncertainty, and helping us make sense of the human condition.

Ultimately, Updike’s quote invites us to consider the spiritual and transformative power of stories. It positions literature as an enduring vehicle for exploring the human experience, suggesting that storytelling has the ability to engage our deepest emotions and thoughts, much like the timeless appeal of religious teachings.