Why Read? iPads, Culture Wars, and the Point of the Canon

So you want to defend the Western canon, huh? Why, exactly? In this episode I take a step back and ask why, outside of politics, we should care about books. Especially in the age of podcasts and digital media, with the publishing industry bleeding profits, it's easy to think of books as obsolete. But that might be exactly why we need them most--to hold ourselves together in a world of digital dissolution.
Check out our sponsor, the Ancient Language Institute: ancientlanguage.com/younghere...
Pre-order my new book, Light of the Mind, Light of the World: a.co/d/2QccOfM
Subscribe to be in the mailbag: rejoiceevermore.substack.com
We maked this: Lists of recommended works at The New Jerusalem. open.substack.com/pub/thenewj...

[@nyc88s]

In a world that seems to no longer recognize philosophy, the humanities, etc., you are a real treasure, Spencer! You are much appreciated.

[@AFringedGentian]

As the song says, I’m so happy to be stuck with you, dear Spencer!

[@jacobgray676]

Trying to express grandiose metaphysical truths between art, religious expression, and cultural manifestations of symbolic inversion is a lonely business. I appreciate the return to the basics because I can communicate those to my peers. . . Yah know, and maybe get invited back to the dinner party.

[@eugenec2851]

Your welcome!

[@americanbard1721]

To quote Socrates: Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.

[@marchess286]

'mishighas