Arts & Ideas Reading & Empathy
20 snips
Oct 4, 2024 
Guest
Rana Mitter
Guest
Tiffany Watt Smith
Guest
Jonathan Egid
Guest
Janine Bradbury
Guest
Elif Shafak
Guest
Gabriel Gatehouse
Gabriel Gatehouse, a journalist and broadcaster investigating conspiracy theories, hosts a lively discussion with novelist Elif Shafak, known for her thought-provoking narratives, and academic poet Janine Bradbury. They explore how reading, both fiction and history, fosters empathy in a polarizing world. Philosopher Jonathan Egid delves into the complexities of empathy, while Tiffany Watt Smith examines emotional intricacies like schadenfreude. Historian Rana Mitter links these themes to broader historical narratives, emphasizing the power of literature in understanding diverse perspectives.
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Episode notes
Unfinished Tolstoy
- Gabriel Gatehouse studied Russian literature but never finished War and Peace.
- He jokingly worries about his degree being rescinded.
Rereading and Changing Tastes
- Elif Shafak rereads books; sometimes a book isn't right for you at one time, but later it is.
- She couldn't finish 2666 initially but loved it on a second reading.
The Age of Distraction
- Elif Shafak believes the current age promotes hyper-information, fast consumption, and instant gratification.
- This affects everyone and makes it harder to engage in the solitude needed for novels.