Nothing counter -productive whatsoever; frequently these classic works are classic because they pioneer a particular plot device or exemplify a genera,things that are important to literature. At the pretty least they can teach focus. It's incredibly uncomplicated for anyone to focus on what they like, but to focus on something you obtain even mildly displeasing requires a measure of discipline which will serve anyone well in any endeavor. There is nothing useful in reading-as-such, rather, the benefit (outside of any personal enjoyment) comes in comprehension and the concentration of ones faculties.