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The Literary Life Podcast

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

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.
01:12:57

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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