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Shakespeare teaches what's fundamental and universal about humanity.
Think about it: there's almost no English-based text that's less immediately comprehensible (okay, Chaucer might be worse, but that's almost not English anymore, as we think of it). The language is difficult in both its verbal and figurative qualities. But the emotions and experiences it expresses are still totally relevant to us (including to young people) today. Why do you think Romeo and Juliet gets such wide reading in High Schools? Because love-tormented teenagers have been the same since the dawn of time!
Reading Shakespeare grounds you in what's fundamental about humanity. You see that you're not alone, or even particularly unique. It's a deeply resonant and reassuring experience.
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