The Literary Life Podcast

Episode 251: Why Literature Still Matters with Dr. Jason Baxter

21 snips
Nov 19, 2024
Dr. Jason Baxter, author of 'Why Literature Matters', delves into the transformative power of literature in today's fast-paced world. He likens the reading process to gardening, emphasizing patience and care. Baxter addresses the growing disconnect between modern society and classic literature's beauty, while advocating for deeper engagement with texts to counter the superficiality of social media. The conversation touches on the vital role of educational philosophy in fostering meaningful learning experiences and the mission of a new publishing house to engage broader audiences.
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ANECDOTE

Book's Origin

  • Jason Baxter explains how his book, "Why Literature Still Matters," originated from a keynote speech.
  • Connecting with the Literary Life Podcast audience helped him find his voice and weave together disparate ideas into a cohesive narrative.
INSIGHT

Museumification

  • Museumification can diminish the impact of art by shifting focus from qualitative experience to factual information.
  • This "symbolic complex" can hinder genuine engagement with literature, creating a preference for passive consumption over active interpretation.
INSIGHT

Zuckerberg's Flat View

  • Zuckerberg's letter, while not evil, reveals a two-dimensional view of reality focused on maximizing pleasure.
  • This contrasts sharply with literature's ability to provide depth and meaning, reminding us of the importance of the "Z-axis" in a quantifiable world.
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