A Mug of Insights 024: Do You Need An English Degree To Read Well?
Oct 1, 2025
Is an English degree necessary to enjoy reading? Explore the surprising history of literature's amateur roots versus today's academic approaches. Discover how specialization may diminish the joy of reading for pleasure, creating divides between casual and trained readers. Reflect on the passion that drives reading outside formal training. Learn ways to keep the love of literature alive while borrowing useful insights from academia. Embrace the joy of reading like a child and approach texts with curiosity!
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Degree Not Required To Read Deeply
- You don't need an English degree to be a reader or to gain value from difficult books.
- Robin Waldun argues amateur reading can yield as much insight as formal training.
Humanities Are Inherently Nebulous
- Humanities disciplines lack hard rules, so reading methods are flexible and personal.
- Treating literature like a professional trade creates unnecessary barriers for readers.
Professional Training Can Squelch Passion
- Professional training can sometimes kill the original passion for reading.
- Both trained and common readers fear appearing amateur and avoid exploring beyond niches.
