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This idea is starting to meme, and it’s easy to see why. Literacy is obviously dangerous. Language is more mysterious than most imagine, and it can twist and warp our minds. Look at the havoc wrought by mass media and the effectiveness of propaganda. Read Bernays.
But (thread) https://twitter.com/bomptonc/status/1386542428824371205
But (thread) https://twitter.com/bomptonc/status/1386542428824371205
We can’t just deliterate ourselves. Once the mindworm is in it’s in. We’ve been handed a loaded gun. It’s irresponsible to lay it aside in ignorance.
We don’t want a society of weesh scholars. But again we can’t run the clock back on mass literacy.
We don’t want a society of weesh scholars. But again we can’t run the clock back on mass literacy.
There are good reasons to read well and intently, and exercising this capacity can be as demanding as any bodily regimen.
If it’s true “you’re the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with,” how are you gonna upgrade yourself out of a lame social circle?
If it’s true “you’re the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with,” how are you gonna upgrade yourself out of a lame social circle?
The internet helps with this, but it takes a lot of sifting to find quality, and even then you’re limiting yourself.
How many GREAT men do you think are born in any given generation? Perhaps a handful. And how many of them are airing their ideas publicly? Possibly none.
How many GREAT men do you think are born in any given generation? Perhaps a handful. And how many of them are airing their ideas publicly? Possibly none.
Reading well gives you access to the great minds of the past. It let’s you sit down and test your wits against philosophers, prophets, warriors, kings.
Read (or listen to) Of King’s Treasuries” by John Ruskin for more on this idea:
Read (or listen to) Of King’s Treasuries” by John Ruskin for more on this idea:
Cobra Tate tweeted not long ago (can’t seem to find it) about how worthless reading books is. Again, i’m sympathetic, and the reading most people do IS worthless.
But Tate’s big thing is chess. And “wrestling” an author who challenges you is as demanding as chess if done right.
But Tate’s big thing is chess. And “wrestling” an author who challenges you is as demanding as chess if done right.
You may not be ready for the big dogs (Nietzsche, Jung, Faulkner, Joyce, etc.), but you gotta start somewhere. And the training your mind receives in the struggle IS worthwhile.
If you’re cursed with literacy like we all are, at least have the self respect to be good at it.
If you’re cursed with literacy like we all are, at least have the self respect to be good at it.
I know this is tangential to the original thread, these ideas have just been on my mind recently.
But i guess number me among the bookmos
But i guess number me among the bookmos
