The Common Reader cover image

The Common Reader

James Marriott. The value of being pretentious and the importance of the emotions to the intellect.

Aug 8, 2024
James Marriott, a Times columnist covering literature, culture, and the millennial experience, shares intriguing insights on reading habits. He discusses why men should embrace novels, emphasizing their emotional depth rather than moral lessons. The conversation shifts to the cultural snobbery surrounding fiction versus nonfiction, and how literary works, from Iris Murdoch to Harry Potter, shape personal identities. Marriott provocatively reflects on pretentiousness in literature and the evolving nature of high culture in today's countercultural landscape.
01:00:51

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Men should engage with novels not just for moral growth, but for their inherent entertainment value and emotional richness.
  • Literary fiction provides unique insights into the human condition, facilitating emotional understanding that complements intellectual knowledge.

Deep dives

The Case for Novels Among Men

A significant point discussed revolves around the reasons why men should engage more with novels. The notion that novels are primarily a moral tool, intended to foster empathy and combat toxic masculinity, is challenged. Instead, the argument is made that novels should be appreciated for their inherent entertainment value and the enjoyment they provide regardless of their moral implications. Moreover, the distinction is highlighted between reading novels for self-improvement and experiencing them as rich, imaginative narratives that can still offer valuable insights about life.

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