4 ms·
If works do not test you or bring new ideas, then what is the point of reading them in the first place? Uncomfortable nonfiction is like eating your vegetables
by banish-m4 2y ago
If works do not test you or bring new ideas, then what is the point of reading them in the first place?
Uncomfortable nonfiction is like eating your vegetables. There is much disquieting history and knowledge that must not be ignored.
Mainstream mass public education will not teach curiosity or imbue anyone with ambition or initiative, it is something one must cultivate on their own.
- lanstin 2y agoLife isn't some contest where we only need challenges. Pleasure is a fine part of creation. And I had some wonderful teachers in mass education who inspired me quite a bit on the virtue of curiosity and striving for what exceeds my grasp. I don't know what you mean by ambition but for me it has been trying to do each thing with focus as well as I can and to attempt to live a life of openness and love and hard but fulfilling work. The rewards of life accrete in the moments, not in the external rewards (I enjoy external rewards but they are definitely frosting not cake.)
- banish-m4 2y agoThat's only your view, and not the only viewpoint. Trying to minimize or discount the views of others isn't a smooth move.
- lotsoweiners 2y agoI’m not looking for too much challenge in my leisure time. Having read both the Harry Potter series and Infinite Jest, I think I prefer the former.
- banish-m4 2y agoIf someone is only looking at cat videos or reading mass-market fiction, then they're probably also ignorant or illiterate about the world regarding current events and history. That's their choice. While depressing, it's unremarkable because that's the norm. Balance is what's needed.