Dana Gioia on Becoming an Information Billionaire

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Apr 7, 2021

Dana Gioia, an acclaimed poet and former California Poet Laureate, discusses his fascinating journey from marketing Jell-O to becoming an influential literary figure. He shares how an MBA enriched his poetic craft and why narrative is vital for coping with life. Gioia explores the impact of Virgil on early Christian thought and the challenges of modern libretti. He reflects on the cultural power of art, the importance of bridging divides in the arts, and the value of deep interests over distractions in our information-driven world.

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ANECDOTE

Jell-O Success

Dana Gioia, despite being a poet, effectively marketed Jell-O.
He doubled the declining business by inventing Jell-O Jigglers.

INSIGHT

Humanities in Business

MBA programs neglect humanities, thus lack creativity and broader perspectives.
Gioia's humanities background combined with numerical skills proved advantageous in business.

ANECDOTE

Business Shaping Poetry

Working in business transformed Gioia's poetry.
Interacting with non-literary people broadened his audience and language sense.

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Odd john

Olaf Stapledon

In 'Odd John', Olaf Stapledon delves into the life of John Wainwright, a superhuman with extraordinary intelligence and abilities. The novel follows John's journey as he seeks others like himself to form a utopian colony, leading to a tragic confrontation with the world. Stapledon's work critiques modern society and explores themes of morality and the limits of human understanding.

The flowers of evil

Charles Baudelaire

Publié pour la première fois en 1857, *Les Fleurs du Mal* est un recueil poétique qui oppose le « spleen » (la souffrance et la mélancolie) à l'« idéal » (la recherche d'une transcendance). Baudelaire y explore des thèmes tels que la mort, le péché et la beauté dans le mal. L'œuvre est considérée comme une pierre angulaire de la poésie moderne.

Death Comes for the Archbishop

Willa Cather

Death Comes for the Archbishop is a novel by Willa Cather, published in 1927. It is based on the lives of Jean-Baptiste Lamy and Joseph Projectus Machebeuf, who worked to establish a Catholic diocese in New Mexico. The story follows the journey of Bishop Jean Marie Latour and Father Joseph Vaillant as they navigate the challenges of their mission, interact with diverse cultures, and reflect on the complexities of faith and colonialism.

The Death of Virgil

Hermann Broch

The Death of Virgil is a modernist novel by Hermann Broch, published in 1945. It creatively recounts the final 18 hours of Virgil's life as he travels to Brundisium with Emperor Augustus. The novel is a rich exploration of the poet's reflections on life, death, and the significance of his work, particularly the Aeneid. Broch's writing style blends elements of historical fiction and prose poetry, offering a profound meditation on the human condition and the cultural shifts of the time.

Star Maker

Olaf Stapledon

Cousin Bette

Honoré de Balzac

Cousin Bette, published in 1846, is a novel by Honoré de Balzac that explores themes of jealousy, revenge, and the destructive power of repressed feelings. The story revolves around Bette, a poor and plain spinster who plots the downfall of her wealthy relatives, the Hulot family, after feeling betrayed and overlooked by them. Through her manipulations, Bette orchestrates a series of tragic events that lead to the family's ruin.

Earthly Powers

Anthony Burgess

Earthly Powers is a sprawling novel that delves into the lives of Kenneth Toomey, a British writer, and Carlo Campanati, an Italian-American Cardinal who becomes Pope Gregory XVII. The novel spans major historical events of the 20th century, including World War II and the rise of fascism, while exploring themes of power, morality, and the human condition. It is known for its complex narrative and philosophical debates on free will and evil.

Hadji Murat

Leo Tolstoy

Hadji Murat is a novella by Leo Tolstoy, written between 1896 and 1904 and published posthumously. It tells the story of Hadji Murat, a Chechen rebel leader who defects to the Russians in an attempt to rescue his family from the clutches of his enemy, Shamil. The novel explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of war, reflecting Tolstoy's experiences in the Caucasus during his military service.

Master and Man

null

Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy's *Master and Man* is a novella that delves into the themes of redemption and self-discovery. It follows the story of a wealthy landowner, Brekhunov, who embarks on a perilous journey during a blizzard. Initially self-absorbed, Brekhunov undergoes a profound transformation as he confronts his mortality and the suffering of his servant. Through an act of self-sacrifice, he finds meaning and compassion, ultimately dying a peaceful death. The novella's exploration of spiritual awakening and the importance of human connection resonates with readers even today. The story's simplicity and powerful message make it a compelling read, highlighting Tolstoy's mastery of storytelling.

Last and First Men

Olaf Stapledon

The Death of Ivan Ilych

Leo Tolstoy

The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist. Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life. The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold. Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments[2][3][5].

History and Class Consciousness

null

Georg Lukács

Georg Lukács's "History and Class Consciousness" is a landmark work in Western Marxism, exploring the relationship between history, class consciousness, and revolutionary praxis. Lukács introduces the concept of reification, arguing that capitalist society transforms social relations into seemingly objective things, obscuring their true nature. He emphasizes the importance of achieving class consciousness, a transformative understanding of one's position within the capitalist system. Lukács's work challenges traditional Marxist interpretations of history and emphasizes the role of subjective experience in shaping social reality. His ideas have had a lasting impact on critical theory and Marxist thought.

A Clockwork Orange

Anthony Burgess

In 'A Clockwork Orange', Anthony Burgess depicts a dystopian future where teenage gangs roam the streets, committing acts of violence and mayhem. The protagonist, Alex, narrates his experiences as the leader of such a gang and his subsequent capture and submission to the Ludovico Technique, a controversial behavioral conditioning treatment aimed at eradicating his violent tendencies. The novel delves into profound questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of individual freedom, and the role of government in shaping human behavior. Through Alex's journey, Burgess examines the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between freedom and constraint[1][3][5].

The Martian chronicles

Ray Bradbury

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null

Sir Michael Howard

The Idiot

Fyodor Dostoevsky

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The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

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Studying with Miss Bishop

Dana Gioia

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The Red and The Black

Stendhal

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Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury

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Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition[2][4][5].

Catch-22

Buck Henry

Set in the closing months of World War II, 'Catch-22' is a satirical novel that follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy. The novel explores the absurdity and inhumanity of warfare through Yossarian's attempts to escape his flying duties, thwarted by the bureaucratic rule known as 'Catch-22'. This rule creates a paradox where a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous missions, but if he requests to be relieved of duty, he is proven sane and thus ineligible for relief. The novel is known for its nonchronological structure, circular reasoning, and its critique of military bureaucracy and the illogical nature of war.

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.