I think what truly matters in literature, whether classic or newer, is the book’s ability to transcend the page and point to Heaven in some way. I’ve read truly beautiful books from the 19th century and 21st century alike. These books have a universal, undeniable beauty. It’s the infinite longing that C.S. Lewis writes about. True art finds a way to point to God🥰
I love this! Another thought on reading the classics (or a problem with reading only what is written today) is that there would be a lack of depth. I really dare say one's reading would be shallow filled with only the thoughts and views of today. Well, maybe not necessarily, because if a contemporary author were steeped in the classics, it would show in his/her work (it would have greater depth), if they were not, that would likely show in their work (likely more shallow). I think there's wisdom in having a foundation of classics and mixing in some more contemporary books and authors. Comparing reading old literature to listening to music, for instance. One would have a wonderful foundation if they started with listening to classical music and then added in a mix of the best from different ages, cultures, genres. I think there would be a greater depth and texture to one's reading if they treated reading like listening to different types of music. (Does this even make sense? I might be rambling. I have a nasty cold right now.) I think reading the classics prepares us to be more successful in our reading and discernment. Also, we would be likely be missing idioms and other cultural references if we didn't read the classics, and these give our reading a richer experience. Okay, gotta go make supper now. I really enjoyed your thoughts on this essay.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing your thoughts! I love the comparison to music. It makes me wonder if there wasn't some wisdom after all in my mom making us all listen to classic composers when we were young. It definitely gave us a good base from which to appreciate and judge newer music.
Yes! Time is the magic ingredient. I am a huge love of classic literature, and I prefer to read them over newer ones. But every now and then, I'd come across newer books (as in ones that published in the past 2 decades) that in my opinion have the potential to be a future classic. A Thousand Splendid Suns comes to mind.
I whole heartedly agree. There is a real lack of nuance in modern writing, and dare I say it, thought in general. It is a hubris of epic Homeric proportions. The idea that we're better now than what has come before is the modern disease. Like a child who thinks it knows better than its parents, as it heads towards its inevitable disaster. Although it is true all parents are flawed to some extend, they posses something the child does not, the wisdom of the ages. The point of the classics isn't to agree with the past in all its sordid details. The point is to engage with the past in order to understand what it means to be human, and to survey the greatest thoughts and ideas that have fought their way down to the present century.
The modern world is like living in Plato's cave, it's all smoke and mirrors, or as you wonderfully put it, only half the conversation.
This is very well stated. I wonder if some classics-objectors think of classics simply as “old books” as opposed to the *best* old books, and this leads them into making arguments like #4 here. In the course of my PhD I’ve read some old books that are not classics, and you quickly realize that there IS a difference haha. But the ordinary person isn’t exposed to this distinction usually.
Enjoyed the article Maddie. Especially your line from Lewis regarding entering a conversation late, if we don’t read old books. Partly why I have started a ‘Great books’ reading project to help become more familiar with early conversations!
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of reading the great books! My graduate program has us choose one to engage with each semester for our final paper, and it has been very eye-opening.
Incredible work. I might have some arguments against some of the points but unfortunately i am completely out of energy at the moment and I don’t think they are so necessary. Overall, amazing work!
Thank you for the feedback! And if you ever want to, feel free to come back and share those arguments. I am always interested in hearing from other points of view!
Just want to add that there are points i actually agree with more. Like some things you touched on that were just in my brain and you gave words to them. I hope i remember this when i wake up tomorrow 😂
I have just found your substack and I love it, not just the content but your way of doing it (quality over quantity) as well :)
I totally agree with this article, I think people underestimate the filtering effect of time, only really good works (and maybe very very infamous ones) survive. I started reading more to improve my writing and I noticed that my language improved much more quickly when reading old literature, because I was exposed to a much larger variety of ways of speaking, vocabulary, and also to a degree of mastery that you do need to search for in contemporary literature (but it of course does exist!)
Have you ever read Nan Shepherd? I love her novels (there are only 3) and I think she is not as well known as she ought to be.
I have not, but I will look into her! And thank you so much! I had the exact same experience with classic literature. I decided to try it out after forgetting it for many years. It has significantly improved my language as a writer, besides just being a delight to read.
I think you have to know the canon (so to speak) before you can understand criticism of the canon or, as an author, artistically deviate from it in any meaningful way. Otherwise, to use your analogy, you aren't part of the conversation. You are kind of off talking to yourself (which may have value) or just repeating modern ideas you soak up around you in your lifetime (which is usually of questionable artistic value).
Yes, we can and should endlessly debate the canon. But its time-tested utility cannot be denied.
Agreed. I’ve heard the same advice for writers before. Breaking the rules is only worthwhile if you know the rules first and can give a solid reason for breaking them. Otherwise you aren’t really “breaking the rules,” but just displaying your ignorance of them. I think the same goes for literature.
Hmmm good question. I’m not sure if I’m qualified to answer that! But it seems that generally, books begin to be treated as a classic once a new century comes about. So maybe around 50 years generally speaking? I’m sure there are others who could answer more accurately.
Hear, hear! I Beginning in 1960, received eight years of all boys prep schools (thanks, hardworking parents), focusing primarily on classics in English and Latin. I squandered some of it, but without this foundation, I could not have navigated through life at all. Virtually all of my retained learning is based on a classical education. Even today, I read more “old” books than new. It’s a mixture of. Cheers, John
Wow, what a blessing. I’m working in classical education right now and it’s so beautiful to know the treasure trove that is being passed on to future generations.
So you have found a friend in Anne Bronte without the drama. The Bronte sisters amid Christina Rossetti are so special. I have all the poetry of Christina and completed the works of the Bronte sisters many years ago. People of all cultures will find their work beautiful, truthful and good. We should not blame the Bronte Sisters for not knowing a great deal about The Catholic approach to truth and faith. Anne Bronte has many important insights to share with our culture and other cultures.
Thanes for sharing truth and we would like to know your impressions after reading Anne Bronte-sometimes called a perfect book. I am on the side of the classics. The vocation of Fatherhood is a theme of interest in many cultures, love puts death, and its thoughts, to flight.. I gave Crime And Punishment, to my grand daughter.
Crime and Punishment was my favorite classic for a long, long time. I first read it in high school. I am already loving Anne Bronte. I feel like I have encountered a long-lost friend in her writing.
Loved this! What a fantastic thought exercise. I’m sure someone has pointed out, but I also think reading classic literature helps us to discern what modern literature is worth our time and to “cast our vote” to make sure that the classics of years to come will be preserved in our time. In that way the reading of new/old books becomes complementary rather than competitive, especially since the best new books are, as you pointed out, merely continuing the ongoing conversation
I think what truly matters in literature, whether classic or newer, is the book’s ability to transcend the page and point to Heaven in some way. I’ve read truly beautiful books from the 19th century and 21st century alike. These books have a universal, undeniable beauty. It’s the infinite longing that C.S. Lewis writes about. True art finds a way to point to God🥰
Well said!
I agree with your thoughts on mastery. The very notion of mastery seems to be out of favor today.
Exactly. Too much [MFA] "Program Fiction."
I love this! Another thought on reading the classics (or a problem with reading only what is written today) is that there would be a lack of depth. I really dare say one's reading would be shallow filled with only the thoughts and views of today. Well, maybe not necessarily, because if a contemporary author were steeped in the classics, it would show in his/her work (it would have greater depth), if they were not, that would likely show in their work (likely more shallow). I think there's wisdom in having a foundation of classics and mixing in some more contemporary books and authors. Comparing reading old literature to listening to music, for instance. One would have a wonderful foundation if they started with listening to classical music and then added in a mix of the best from different ages, cultures, genres. I think there would be a greater depth and texture to one's reading if they treated reading like listening to different types of music. (Does this even make sense? I might be rambling. I have a nasty cold right now.) I think reading the classics prepares us to be more successful in our reading and discernment. Also, we would be likely be missing idioms and other cultural references if we didn't read the classics, and these give our reading a richer experience. Okay, gotta go make supper now. I really enjoyed your thoughts on this essay.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing your thoughts! I love the comparison to music. It makes me wonder if there wasn't some wisdom after all in my mom making us all listen to classic composers when we were young. It definitely gave us a good base from which to appreciate and judge newer music.
I'm thinking the same could be said for architecture, art (paintings, sculpture), and the like.
Absolutely true.
Yes! Time is the magic ingredient. I am a huge love of classic literature, and I prefer to read them over newer ones. But every now and then, I'd come across newer books (as in ones that published in the past 2 decades) that in my opinion have the potential to be a future classic. A Thousand Splendid Suns comes to mind.
I haven’t read that one, but I’m going to look it up!
This is beautiful, Thank you!
I whole heartedly agree. There is a real lack of nuance in modern writing, and dare I say it, thought in general. It is a hubris of epic Homeric proportions. The idea that we're better now than what has come before is the modern disease. Like a child who thinks it knows better than its parents, as it heads towards its inevitable disaster. Although it is true all parents are flawed to some extend, they posses something the child does not, the wisdom of the ages. The point of the classics isn't to agree with the past in all its sordid details. The point is to engage with the past in order to understand what it means to be human, and to survey the greatest thoughts and ideas that have fought their way down to the present century.
The modern world is like living in Plato's cave, it's all smoke and mirrors, or as you wonderfully put it, only half the conversation.
Thank you.
Yes, I completely agree! Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Musings: You nailed it.
This is very well stated. I wonder if some classics-objectors think of classics simply as “old books” as opposed to the *best* old books, and this leads them into making arguments like #4 here. In the course of my PhD I’ve read some old books that are not classics, and you quickly realize that there IS a difference haha. But the ordinary person isn’t exposed to this distinction usually.
That’s probably very true!
Enjoyed the article Maddie. Especially your line from Lewis regarding entering a conversation late, if we don’t read old books. Partly why I have started a ‘Great books’ reading project to help become more familiar with early conversations!
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of reading the great books! My graduate program has us choose one to engage with each semester for our final paper, and it has been very eye-opening.
Incredible work. I might have some arguments against some of the points but unfortunately i am completely out of energy at the moment and I don’t think they are so necessary. Overall, amazing work!
Thank you for the feedback! And if you ever want to, feel free to come back and share those arguments. I am always interested in hearing from other points of view!
Just want to add that there are points i actually agree with more. Like some things you touched on that were just in my brain and you gave words to them. I hope i remember this when i wake up tomorrow 😂
I have just found your substack and I love it, not just the content but your way of doing it (quality over quantity) as well :)
I totally agree with this article, I think people underestimate the filtering effect of time, only really good works (and maybe very very infamous ones) survive. I started reading more to improve my writing and I noticed that my language improved much more quickly when reading old literature, because I was exposed to a much larger variety of ways of speaking, vocabulary, and also to a degree of mastery that you do need to search for in contemporary literature (but it of course does exist!)
Have you ever read Nan Shepherd? I love her novels (there are only 3) and I think she is not as well known as she ought to be.
I have not, but I will look into her! And thank you so much! I had the exact same experience with classic literature. I decided to try it out after forgetting it for many years. It has significantly improved my language as a writer, besides just being a delight to read.
I think you have to know the canon (so to speak) before you can understand criticism of the canon or, as an author, artistically deviate from it in any meaningful way. Otherwise, to use your analogy, you aren't part of the conversation. You are kind of off talking to yourself (which may have value) or just repeating modern ideas you soak up around you in your lifetime (which is usually of questionable artistic value).
Yes, we can and should endlessly debate the canon. But its time-tested utility cannot be denied.
Agreed. I’ve heard the same advice for writers before. Breaking the rules is only worthwhile if you know the rules first and can give a solid reason for breaking them. Otherwise you aren’t really “breaking the rules,” but just displaying your ignorance of them. I think the same goes for literature.
Good article.
One question: in your opinion, how old does a book have to be before it's an old book?
Hmmm good question. I’m not sure if I’m qualified to answer that! But it seems that generally, books begin to be treated as a classic once a new century comes about. So maybe around 50 years generally speaking? I’m sure there are others who could answer more accurately.
Hear, hear! I Beginning in 1960, received eight years of all boys prep schools (thanks, hardworking parents), focusing primarily on classics in English and Latin. I squandered some of it, but without this foundation, I could not have navigated through life at all. Virtually all of my retained learning is based on a classical education. Even today, I read more “old” books than new. It’s a mixture of. Cheers, John
Wow, what a blessing. I’m working in classical education right now and it’s so beautiful to know the treasure trove that is being passed on to future generations.
Nicely done!
So you have found a friend in Anne Bronte without the drama. The Bronte sisters amid Christina Rossetti are so special. I have all the poetry of Christina and completed the works of the Bronte sisters many years ago. People of all cultures will find their work beautiful, truthful and good. We should not blame the Bronte Sisters for not knowing a great deal about The Catholic approach to truth and faith. Anne Bronte has many important insights to share with our culture and other cultures.
Thanes for sharing truth and we would like to know your impressions after reading Anne Bronte-sometimes called a perfect book. I am on the side of the classics. The vocation of Fatherhood is a theme of interest in many cultures, love puts death, and its thoughts, to flight.. I gave Crime And Punishment, to my grand daughter.
Crime and Punishment was my favorite classic for a long, long time. I first read it in high school. I am already loving Anne Bronte. I feel like I have encountered a long-lost friend in her writing.
Excellent summary of the argument.
Loved this! What a fantastic thought exercise. I’m sure someone has pointed out, but I also think reading classic literature helps us to discern what modern literature is worth our time and to “cast our vote” to make sure that the classics of years to come will be preserved in our time. In that way the reading of new/old books becomes complementary rather than competitive, especially since the best new books are, as you pointed out, merely continuing the ongoing conversation
Yes! I love this. 100% agree.