Interview: Erik Rostad, Marathon runner of the canon
Sep 29, 2023
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Erik Rostad, a marathon runner of the canon, talks about his love for reading and how he manages to read, run a business, and take care of his family all at once. He discusses the process of creating a curated list of great books, the benefits of reading extensively, different modes of reading, and the relationship between truth and beauty in literature.
Reading great books can be accessible to anyone, regardless of advanced education, through strategic methods such as concentrated reading periods and podcasting.
Books forged through intense suffering offer profound lessons about the human spirit and the search for meaning even in the face of great adversity.
Deep dives
Eric Rostet's Journey with the Great Books
Eric Rostet embarked on a project to read the greatest books ever written. Inspired by a speech he heard at 18 years old, he sought to explore the beauty and truth found within these timeless works. His project began with reading 52 books a year, aiming to devour the favorites of the world's top performers. Eventually, he shifted his focus to the great books themselves, setting aside specific periods throughout the year to delve into ancient and modern classics. Rostet emphasizes the accessibility of these works, debunking the notion that they require an advanced education to comprehend. He uses strategic methods such as concentrated reading periods and podcasting to enhance his understanding and ensure retention of the ideas presented in the books. Overall, his journey is an exploration of the enduring power and relevance of literature in discovering beauty and truth.
The Influence of Suffering in Eric Rostet's Reading Journey
Throughout Eric Rostet's reading project, certain books have left a profound impact on him. Notably, he highlights three books that were forged through intense suffering: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. These books, dealing with themes of survival in extreme conditions, left a lasting impression on Rostet. He found that the experiences and insights shared in these books carry a weight and significance born out of the immense suffering the authors endured. Their powerful stories and perspectives resonate deeply, offering profound lessons about the human spirit and the search for meaning even in the face of great adversity.
Reading Strategies and the Integration of Faith in Eric Rostet's Project
Eric Rostet's reading project is guided by a strategy that combines deep engagement with books, intentional reading practices, and the integration of his faith. Rostet's focus on print books allows him to visually recall the content and create meaningful connections. He marks up his books extensively, enabling him to remember and reflect on the ideas presented. Additionally, Rostet reads with a sense of purpose, seeking both truth and beauty in the great books. This mission statement serves as a guiding principle, reminding him of the higher purpose behind his reading project and helping him avoid distractions or superficial goals. Rostet's faith is an integral part of his journey, informing his approach to reading and the significance he finds in the works he engages with.
The Impact and Reception of Eric Rostet's Reading Project
Eric Rostet's reading project has resonated with a diverse range of listeners, surprising him with the intellect and engagement of those who reach out. He receives emails from professors and individuals with extensive academic backgrounds. Many listeners appreciate the accessibility of his project, as Rostet showcases that a busy life and lack of formal education should not hinder one's ability to engage with the great books. By providing strategies and resources through his podcast and website, Rostet empowers others to embark on their own reading journeys. His project offers a valuable alternative to traditional education and contributes to the preservation and appreciation of literature in an age where books are becoming less prominent in society.
Today's guest is someone whose life has been transformed by classical literature. Erik Rostad has reorganized his life around reading, with remarkable effects. We discuss how he was called to seek truth and beauty in the canon, which books have shaped him most deeply, and how he manages to read, run a business, and take care of his family all at once. If you're looking for strategies to get you started reading great works, Erik's your guy.