Episode 251: Why Literature Still Matters with Dr. Jason Baxter
Nov 19, 2024
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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.
Reading is an essential skill that fosters deep connections with literature, enriching our understanding of ourselves and the world.
In an age dominated by technology, literature serves as a transformative force, pushing back against superficial distractions in modern life.
Engaging with classic literature allows individuals to rekindle their imagination and find joy, ultimately guiding them through life's complexities.
Deep dives
The Art of Reading Well
The podcast emphasizes the skill and art of reading well as a vital component of intellectual engagement. It discusses how reading is not merely a pastime but a means to deeply connect with great literary works. The hosts advocate for entering fully into stories, suggesting that literature can provide profound insights into reality, enriching the reader's understanding of themselves and the world. They highlight the idea that cultivating this reading skill can rescue stories from being confined to academia and make them accessible to everyone.
Why Literature Matters
The conversation revolves around the significance of literature in a world increasingly dominated by technology and superficial entertainment. It explores the paradox of having unprecedented access to beauty and art yet living in a culture that often feels hollow or ugly. The hosts discuss how literature can serve as a transformative experience, pushing back against the shallow distractions of modern life. They underscore that engaging with literature can counteract the pervasive feelings of discontent and anxiety prevalent in contemporary society.
Connecting with the Great Works
The hosts encourage readers to connect with classic literature as a way to rekindle their imagination and find joy in storytelling. They argue that literature possesses timeless wisdom that can illuminate personal and societal issues, providing a framework for understanding life's complexities. Examples of classic authors such as C.S. Lewis and the use of metaphor are shared to illustrate how literature can resonate with our human experience. This connection to literary heritage is presented as essential for developing critical thought and finding deeper meaning in life.
Overcoming Modern Distractions
The discussion touches on the challenges of reading in an age of rapid-fire distractions and instant gratification. The hosts share insights on how modern readers are often conditioned to seek immediate entertainment, leading to frustrations when engaging with more demanding texts. They suggest that the process of learning to read slowly and thoughtfully is crucial for experiencing the richness of literature. By embracing the challenge of deeper reading, individuals can rediscover the joy and transformation that great writing offers.
Literature as a Gateway to Joy
The episode concludes with a powerful assertion that literature has the potential to awaken a sense of joy and fulfillment in our lives. The hosts suggest that the act of reading can satisfy our spiritual hunger and reconnect us with essential aspects of our humanity. By fostering a meaningful relationship with literature, listeners are encouraged to seek out works that evoke contemplation and emotional resonance. This engagement with literary art is framed as a path to cultivating a more vibrant and enriched life.
This week on The Literary Life Podcast we are pleased to bring you a conversation hosts Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks had with Dr. Jason Baxter, author of the new book Why Literature Matters from Cassiodorus Press. You can find out more about Dr. Baxter and his other books at JasonMBaxter.com. Together they discuss how this book came about and the importance of knowing who your audience is. They share some hopes for this book to reach those who don’t understand why literature is still worthwhile in our current culture. Angelina brings up the challenges of reading in this fast-paced, consumeristic age. Jason uses metaphors of gardening and learning a piece of music to think about reading and understanding as a process requiring time and perseverance.
Please visit our website for complete show notes including commonplace quotes, book links, and this week's poem at https://theliterary.life/251/.
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