Build For Tomorrow When Novels Were A "Bad Influence"
Oct 15, 2018
Discover the historical hysteria over novels, once deemed detrimental to society. From critiques in Plato's time to fears about women's reading habits, the podcast humorously navigates the changing perceptions of fiction. It contrasts past concerns with today's literary appreciation and explores how storytelling has evolved. You'll hear about early Hellenistic novels and the communal aspect of reading that has shifted over centuries. Ultimately, the discussion defends the novel’s ongoing relevance in a modern world filled with distractions.
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Early 20th Century Novel Scare
- Critics in the early 20th century saw novels as dangerous corrupting influences.
- They feared novels would injure, debase, and ruin moral character, especially of children and women.
Plato on Writing and Memory
- Plato argued that writing could create forgetfulness by discouraging memory use.
- He warned readers would appear wise but know nothing genuine if relying on texts alone.
Plato’s Fear of Fiction
- Plato saw fiction as manipulative and dangerous, capable of controlling emotions.
- He believed fiction’s power should be tightly controlled and not given to just anyone.
