Ep 120: The Art of Reading

Francine Prose's 'Reading Like a Writer' encourages readers to analyze an author's techniques and choices to improve their own writing skills.

In 'Aspects of the Novel', E.M. Forster discusses the seven universal aspects of the novel: story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. The book is a compilation of lectures delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927. Forster explores these elements using examples from classic texts, emphasizing the importance of character, the distinction between story and plot, and the role of fantasy and prophecy in novels. He also discusses the structural elements of pattern and rhythm, and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of the novel. Forster's approach is characterized by his casual and insightful style, making the book valuable for both readers and writers of fiction.

Originally published in 1940 and revised in 1972, this book is a classic guide to intelligent reading. It describes the art of reading as the process by which a mind elevates itself through its own operations on the symbols of readable matter. The authors emphasize active reading, highlighting the importance of keen observation, available memory, range of imagination, and an intellect trained in analysis and reflection. The book provides practical lessons on how to read books effectively, including inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading, to achieve a deeper understanding of the material.

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

In "The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction," Alan Jacobs explores the enduring value of reading and the challenges it faces in contemporary society. Jacobs argues that reading should be approached as a pleasurable and enriching activity, rather than a duty or a means to an end. He examines the various factors that distract individuals from reading, such as technology and the pressures of modern life. The book offers practical advice on how to cultivate a love for reading. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of choosing books that resonate with personal interests and allowing oneself to be fully immersed in the reading experience.

In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.

Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.

Italo Calvino's 'Why Read the Classics? ' explores the enduring relevance and unique qualities of classic literature in the modern world.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.