Saturday, September 18, 2010
Post #3: Reading Revolutions
The shift from "intensive" reading and re-reading of very few texts to "extensive" reading of many that was observed in the 18th century restructured how people relied on information and utilized books. Instead of reading one text so many times that a person could recite its lines and remember every detail, readers diversified their intake of text and therefore no longer spent time analyzing specific details and concepts from a particular book. This led to an increased reliance on books for information enforcing Socrates' opinion that writing destroys memory. Since people weren't re-reading one book over and over, their memory of any specific text wasn't as strong. I believe that this shift in reading trends affected the consciousness of the average reader by diversifying thought due to all the different ideas presented in the many texts that were read. Instead of just one opinion being heard again and again, people were exposed to all kinds of writing that promoted new ways of thinking and allowed discussion between two readers that went beyond the limits of a single text.
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I agree that with the possibility of mass printing, numerous ideas are indeed being spread throughout the world everyday. I can't imagine reading the same text over and over again to better remember it. Today, it seems as though people read a text, and further search for other texts pertaining to the same subject and whatnot, in order to gain more insight. People today form very personal opinions and attitudes.
ReplyDeleteA further thought would be to consider how being forced to leave behind rote knowledge could in fact make people think in new ways. Without a rigid structure, new inspiring thought would spring forth. While yes, there will be many ideas that are merely repeated (which does imply an important need for the books), the concept of free thinking is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that the switch to "extensive" reading has enhanced our culture and expanded the way we view it. Unfortunately, it has also led to the downfall of our culture. With so many people reading different texts, texts are becoming under valued. Less and less people are reading- printed books especially since the introduction of book on tape, the kindle, etc. When was the last time you actually read a book because you wanted to? I personally would say quite some time ago. Who has the time these days? Without prizing certain texts, especially to memory, texts have lost some of their power and worth in our culture.
ReplyDeleteGood start, but just that. Go for more depth with your thoughts!
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