The Power of Literature w/Kirsten Hall Herlin, Assistant Professor at UATX
Sep 24, 2024
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Kirsten Hall Herlin, an Assistant Professor at UATX and a distinguished scholar of literature, shares her insights on the transformative power of literature. She examines the intersection of AI and critical social justice, debating whether AI could ever win a Pulitzer Prize. Kirsten emphasizes the unique human consciousness behind writing and how literature can unite us amid societal divides. Personal experiences and the literary legacies of figures like Jane Austen add depth to this engaging conversation about authenticity and the emotional journey of writing.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of fostering intellectual bravery in academia to confront diverse viewpoints and encourage meaningful discourse.
It highlights that literature not only cultivates empathy but also serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional connection.
Deep dives
Engagement with Contemporary Thought
Some students in academia are increasingly hesitant to engage with texts that they perceive to be politically liberal, such as works by Marx or Voltaire. This trend is particularly evident in environments where certain ideological pressures may discourage exploration of diverse viewpoints. Despite a majority of curious and open-minded students, the presence of those unwilling to confront challenging or opposing ideas creates a significant barrier to meaningful discourse. The situation highlights the need for fostering environments that encourage intellectual bravery and openness in academic settings.
The Lifelong Journey of Learning
An appreciation for literature evolves into a lifelong pursuit of understanding and growth. The transformation experienced through a rigorous education illuminates the realization that one may never be entirely ready to engage with complex texts, and that is part of the beauty of learning. This ongoing journey allows individuals to gain insight that deepens with each reading, challenging the notion that learning has a definitive endpoint. The acknowledgment of this continuous process reshapes a person’s approach to literature and education, fostering a mindset geared toward lifelong inquiry.
Literature as a Means of Connection
Reading serves as a powerful avenue for individuals to temporarily escape their own thoughts and perspectives, offering an expansive view of the human experience. It can provide a profound sense of connection, reducing feelings of loneliness by immersing one in different times, places, and ways of thinking. While literature and friendships offer unique experiences, both can complement and enhance each other, enriching a person's emotional landscape. Engaging with literature not only cultivates empathy but also creates a shared space for reflection and understanding.
The Task of Writing and the Pursuit of Truth
Writing is viewed as an essential process intertwined with thinking, where the act itself can clarify and elevate one's understanding of the world. The challenge lies in balancing the pursuit of producing quality content with the inherent imperfections that come with expression. This struggle is contrasted with the advancement of AI-generated writing, which raises questions about authenticity and the core purpose of writing. Rather than focusing solely on the end product or grades, emphasis should be placed on the writing experience as a development of thought, creativity, and authentic expression.
I had the pleasure of conversing with Kirsten Hall Herlin, an Assistant Professor at UATX, a distinguished scholar of literature, and the managing editor of the Genealogies of Modernity Journal. We discussed the intricacies of writing and the role of literature in shaping our lives and understanding the world.
Kirsten and I explored the impact of AI and Critical Social Justice on the humanities. Could AI ever win a Pulitzer Prize? Does human consciousness play a crucial role in the writing process? Are the nuances of personal experience, emotional understanding, and subjective thought beyond AI’s reach? Or can those be faked? We also considered how societal division has affected the humanities and whether great literature can help unite us.