The Power of Literature in Stirring the Moral Imagination

Throughout the podcast episode, Joshua Ren discusses the impact of literature and its ability to stir the moral imagination. Ren recalls his own experiences with literature in his youth, particularly with J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, which sparked his imagination and love for storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of literature in providing invitations to explore the life of the mind and imagination, especially for individuals who may not have grown up in households with a strong reading culture. Ren also reflects on the challenge of finding a balance between the interior deepening that literature offers and the potential for turning inward and escaping reality. He mentions the danger of getting too absorbed in fictional worlds and disregarding one's own need for personal growth and conversion. Throughout the conversation, Ren highlights the role of literature as a means of exploring complex emotions, offering insights into the human condition, and ultimately inspiring readers to engage with their own moral quandaries and pursue personal growth.