The nature of who was encouraging and endorsing writing also changed between their lifetimes. Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" as a commission, whereas Montaigne wrote his essays on his own time and at his own pleasure.
As always, a thought-provoking review, Joel. I think we're dealing with something more than changing reading habits. Based on my own experience, I believe being online a lot "rewires" my brain, so that it takes a real effort to be able to immerse myself in a book for an extended period of time. I don't know if many people will be willing to make that effort in the future.
Right. I've given myself a goal of reading 300 hard copy books within the next 10 years, and since I'm only at the beginning of the journey, am acutely aware how differently I have to consider my time. Instead of just skimming through my phone during downtime, I must consciously focus on picking up a book. I'm grateful I grew up in an age before phones because I am at least able to act on muscle memory established during childhood.
The nature of who was encouraging and endorsing writing also changed between their lifetimes. Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" as a commission, whereas Montaigne wrote his essays on his own time and at his own pleasure.
As always, a thought-provoking review, Joel. I think we're dealing with something more than changing reading habits. Based on my own experience, I believe being online a lot "rewires" my brain, so that it takes a real effort to be able to immerse myself in a book for an extended period of time. I don't know if many people will be willing to make that effort in the future.
Right. I've given myself a goal of reading 300 hard copy books within the next 10 years, and since I'm only at the beginning of the journey, am acutely aware how differently I have to consider my time. Instead of just skimming through my phone during downtime, I must consciously focus on picking up a book. I'm grateful I grew up in an age before phones because I am at least able to act on muscle memory established during childhood.
fascinating essay, Joel. I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for a very interesting review, Joel.