In Praise of “Wordy, Old Prose.” (Or, F*ck Your AI Reading Buddy)
More than two years ago I wrote an angry piece about how lame the bulletpointization of books is: the point of reading and engaging with books is not so the reader can consume little bullet points of knowledge. But since
For over two years, a writer penned an impassioned article condemning the practice of reducing books to bullet points. They argued that the true purpose of reading is not to merely absorb information, but to engage deeply with the text. Recently, the publisher of Axios, Nicholas Johnson, published a post revealing that AI had become his "reading buddy," assisting him in understanding complex prose.
Johnson's claim that outsourcing the reading process is beneficial highlights the growing trend of prioritizing convenience over the intellectual challenge of engaging with literature.
In today's convenience-driven society, the value of literary friction—writing that doesn't offer a smooth, effortless reading experience—has been devalued. Celebrating complex and challenging texts is crucial for personal growth as a reader and thinker. The ability to wrestle with difficult material, even if it leads to uncertainty or discomfort, is a key component of becoming a lifelong learner and reader.
While quick and easy reads can provide pure pleasure, there's more to reading than just consuming content. The author reminisces about their college experience, struggling through the 880-page novel "Middlemarch," which they found to be a transformative and rewarding reading experience. The fear of discomfort has become so prevalent that it's a significant factor in the rise of book bans and censorship.
Parents and administrators, unable to tolerate any ambiguity or unease, are pushing for the removal of books that challenge their beliefs.
However, facing uncertainty and ambiguity is essential for personal growth and critical thinking. Educational institutions, trained to recognize appropriate reading materials for students, should not seek assistance from those who are unwilling to engage with complex ideas. The act of questioning and learning is vital in a world increasingly influenced by fascist ideologies.
By embracing literary friction and the discomfort it brings, we can fight against the tide of censorship and promote a culture of critical thought and intellectual curiosity.
Written by urgent.news from Literary Hub's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
