London Writers' Salon

#080: Benjamin Hutchinson — Writing & Reading as Tools for a Meaningful Life, Writing Big Idea Nonfiction, Learning from Literary Greats

Oct 28, 2023

Prize-winning essayist Benjamin Hutchinson talks about how reading and engaging with literature can help us live more fully. He shares lessons on living well from literary greats and tips for becoming better readers. They also discuss the German poet Rilke and the importance of rhythm and momentum in writing.

01:01:21

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Episode guests

Benjamin Hutchinson

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Quick takeaways

Engaging with literature can help us live more fully and purposefully.

Reading and writing poetry can evoke emotions and develop critical thinking skills.

Finding your own voice as a writer is crucial in creating enjoyable and meaningful writing.

Deep dives

Discovering the joy of reading and writing

As a child, Benjamin Hutchinson developed a love for reading that evolved into a desire to write. He found himself drawn to literature as a means of self-discovery and expressing his thoughts. His interest in European literature grew during his adolescence, and he pursued it seriously in his studies. He realized that literature played a vital role in shaping his understanding of the world and his own life. This realization led him to become a professor of European literature and embark on a career centered around writing and teaching.

Introduction

3min

The Origins of Interest in European Literature and the Pursuit of a Meaningful Life

15min

The Two States of Writing and Reading

27min

Finding the Balance: Organic Research and Structured Writing

2min

Struggles with Balancing Examples and Personal Experiences in Writing

2min

The Importance of Rhythm and Momentum in Writing

8min

Exploring Current Reading Habits and Their Influence on Thought

2min

Gratitude, Book Promotion, and Invitation to Join the Writing Community

2min

Prize-winning essayist, literary critic, and professor of European literature Ben Hutchinson, author of On Purpose: Ten Lessons on the Meaning of Life, on how reading and meaningfully engaging with literature can help us live more fully—and more purposefully. Plus, lessons on living well from the literary greats, tips for becoming better readers and ways for writers to know they’re on the right path. We also talk about the German poet Rilke.

ABOUT BENJAMIN HUTCHINSON

Ben Hutchinson is an award-winning essayist, critic and professor of European literature. He is the author of seven books, including The Midlife Mind and Comparative Literature: A Very Short Introduction. His writing appears regularly in the national and international press.

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