Thomas Chatterton Williams on Reading, Practical Philosophy, and Embracing Contradiction | Approach Your Troubles Like Doctor

6 snips

Mar 30, 2022

Thomas Chatterton Williams, a culture critic and author known for his memoirs, shares insights on the power of literature and the practical application of philosophy. He delves into how his father's guidance fostered his love for reading and emphasizes the necessity of embracing contradictions in thought. Williams discusses his impactful contributions to free speech debates and reflects on his identity experiences in France, urging a departure from rigid racial classifications. Ultimately, he champions the importance of nurturing a love for reading in future generations.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Bribing Young Readers

Thomas Chatterton Williams' father instilled a love of reading in him by surrounding him with books and paying him to read.
This transitioned into a self-motivated love for reading.

INSIGHT

ROI of Reading

Reading has an incredible ROI, profoundly changing lives through relatively inexpensive books.
Convincing non-readers of this power is challenging, especially given unengaging assigned reading.

ANECDOTE

Zeno's Oracle

Zeno was told he'd find wisdom by conversing with the dead.
He later realized this meant reading, highlighting how books connect us to the past.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Lottery

Shirley Jackson

Written immediately after World War II, 'The Lottery' is a cautionary tale that explores the dangers of blindly following tradition and the dark side of human nature. The story takes place in a small, unnamed village where the residents gather annually to conduct a lottery that results in the stoning of one of their own. The narrative highlights the mob mentality and the abandonment of reason as the townspeople participate in this brutal tradition, revealing the underlying themes of communal violence and individual vulnerability.

Self-Portrait in Black and White, Unlearning Race

Thomas Chatterton Williams

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë

Published in 1847, 'Wuthering Heights' is a novel that tells the story of the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and the foundling Heathcliff, whom her father brings home to Wuthering Heights. The narrative, framed by the visitor Lockwood and the housekeeper Nelly Dean, explores themes of love, revenge, and the cyclical nature of life. Heathcliff's bitter vengeance against those who wronged him drives the plot, which spans generations and delves into the dark, passionate, and often destructive aspects of human nature. The novel is renowned for its dramatic and poetic presentation, its unique structure, and its vivid depiction of the Yorkshire moors as a reflection of the characters' inner lives.

The great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

The children

David Halberstam

The Children is a detailed narrative by David Halberstam that chronicles the 1959–1962 Nashville Student Movement. The book meticulously recreates the lives of eight young men and women who formed the core committee of the movement, including figures like James Lawson, James Bevel, Diane Nash, John Lewis, and others. It covers key events such as the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Riders, and the formation of SNCC, highlighting the courage and resilience of these young activists in the face of violent opposition and societal segregation. The book also explores how these individuals, despite coming from underprivileged backgrounds, went on to achieve significant careers and contribute to the broader civil rights movement[2][3][4].

Aesop's Fables

Aesop

Aesop's Fables are a collection of stories that have been passed down through oral tradition and later written down. These fables feature animals and other elements that take on human characteristics to convey important moral lessons. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including social, religious, and political issues, and have been used as ethical guides and educational tools for both children and adults. The fables are known for their simplicity and the profound truths they convey, making them timeless and universally relevant.

Plato's Dialogues

Plato

Plato's Dialogues are a series of philosophical works that examine a wide range of subjects including justice, virtue, happiness, and the nature of reality. These dialogues are characterized by their use of the Socratic method, where Socrates engages in conversations with other characters to explore and challenge different viewpoints. Key dialogues include 'The Apology', 'Crito', 'Phaedo', 'Symposium', and 'The Republic', each addressing distinct philosophical questions and themes. The dialogues are known for their literary grace, humor, and ability to engage readers in philosophical inquiry[3][4][5].

The Brothers Karamazov

Larissa Volokhonsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Richard Pevear

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason[2][5][4].

Between the World and Me

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me is a personal and literary exploration of America's racial history. Written as a series of letters to his 15-year-old son, Samori, Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on his own experiences growing up in Baltimore, his education at Howard University, and his career as a journalist. The book delves into the realities of being Black in America, including the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery, segregation, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Coates shares personal anecdotes and historical insights to prepare his son for the challenges he will face as a Black man in America, while also offering a broader critique of American society and its treatment of Black bodies. The book is a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, history, and the struggle for racial justice[2][3][4].

The story of philosophy

The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers

Will Durant

In 'The Story of Philosophy,' Will Durant profiles several key Western philosophers, starting with Socrates and Plato and continuing through to Friedrich Nietzsche. The book highlights the interconnection of their ideas and how each philosopher's thoughts influenced the next. Durant also delves into the economic and intellectual environments that shaped these philosophers' works, as well as their personal traits and adventures. The book is known for its accessible and humanizing approach to philosophy, making complex ideas understandable and engaging for a broad audience[2][3][5].

Losing my cool

Thomas Chatterton Williams

In 'Losing My Cool', Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts his personal journey from being deeply entrenched in hip-hop culture during his youth to eventually embracing intellectualism and philosophy. The book highlights the contrast between the values of hip-hop and those of his father, who emphasized education and literature. Williams's transformation is a testament to the power of family influence and personal growth.

A Guide to the Perplexed

Dalalat al-Ha'irin

Maimonides

Maimonides' "Guide for the Perplexed" is a seminal work of medieval philosophy that attempts to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Jewish theology. The book addresses the challenges faced by those struggling to reconcile faith and reason, offering a framework for understanding religious texts allegorically rather than literally. It explores themes of prophecy, divine attributes, and the nature of reality, providing a sophisticated intellectual defense of religious belief. Its influence extended far beyond Jewish thought, shaping the intellectual landscape of the Middle Ages and beyond. The work remains relevant today for its exploration of the complex relationship between faith and reason.

The Practicing Stoic

null

Marcus Aurelius

The Practicing Stoic is a book that explores the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its relevance to modern life. It delves into the core principles of Stoicism, such as virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. The book provides practical guidance on how to apply Stoic principles to everyday challenges and cultivate inner peace. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, emotional regulation, and focusing on what is within one's control. The book draws upon the writings of prominent Stoic philosophers, offering a clear and accessible introduction to this ancient philosophy. It encourages readers to develop a resilient and fulfilling life by embracing Stoic wisdom.

Ryan reads today’s meditation and talks to author Thomas Chatterton Williams about how his father helped him cultivate his love for reading, why the point of philosophy should be practical application rather than theorizing, the importance of embracing contradicting ideas, and more.

Thomas Chatterton Williams is an American culture critic and is the author of two memoirs: “Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race” and “Losing My Cool: How a Father’s Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-Hop Culture.” In 2020, Thomas helped write and organize “A Letter on Justice and Open Debate.” This open letter, published in Harper’s Magazine and reprinted in newspapers around the world, defended free speech at a time of growing censorship and was signed by 153 leading public figures. Thomas is also a dedicated father, and much of his work is inspired by the relationship he shares with his father, and the relationship he has with his own children.

Try Surfshark risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get Surfshark VPN at surfshark.deals/STOIC. Enter promo code STOIC for 83 % off and three extra months free.

Right now, when you purchase a 3-month Babbel subscription, you’ll get an additional 3 months for FREE. That’s 6 months, for the price of 3! Just go to Babbel.com and use promo code DAILYSTOIC.

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Every week, nearly 40 million job seekers visit LinkedIn? Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/STOIC. Terms and conditions apply.

Stamps.com makes it easy to mail and ship right from your computer. Use our promo code STOIC to get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage and a digital scale. Go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in STOIC.

As a member of Daily Stoic Life, you get all our current and future courses, 100+ additional Daily Stoic email meditations, 4 live Q&As with bestselling author Ryan Holiday (and guests), and 10% off your next purchase from the Daily Stoic Store. Sign up at https://dailystoic.com/life/

Check out the Daily Stoic Store for Stoic inspired products, signed books, and more.

Follow Thomas Chatterton Williams: Homepage, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.