Episode 251: Why Literature Still Matters with Dr. Jason Baxter
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 251 of The Literary Life Podcast, host Angelina Stanford teams up once again with co-host Thomas Banks and lifelong reader Cindy Rollins to delve deep into the enduring significance of literature. This episode features a special guest, Dr. Jason Baxter, who discusses his newly released book, Why Literature Still Matters. The conversation traverses the realms of literary appreciation, cultural challenges, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Guest Introduction: Dr. Jason Baxter
Angelina warmly welcomes Dr. Jason Baxter back to the podcast, sharing light-hearted banter that sets a relaxed tone for the discussion. Dr. Baxter introduces his book, Why Literature Still Matters, explaining that it is the culmination of years of interaction with the podcast's community and his reflections on the modern literary landscape.
Exploring "Why Literature Still Matters"
Dr. Jason Baxter discusses the genesis and core themes of his book.
At [03:22], Dr. Baxter explains how the book materialized from a successful keynote speech at the Literary Life Conference. He emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated audience, stating:
"Anytime that I don't have a concrete group of people that I'm writing for, actually it takes me forever to say anything." [03:28]
The book tackles three primary questions:
- Why Does Literature Matter?
- Why Do We Crave It?
- Why Is It Difficult to Engage with the Depth of Literature in Contemporary Culture?
Dr. Baxter argues that in an age overwhelmed by technology and superficial engagement, literature offers a depth and beauty that is increasingly rare and necessary.
Commonplace Quotes and Their Significance
The hosts and Dr. Baxter share a series of notable quotes that resonate with the themes of the book.
-
Wendell Berry on Education:
Dr. Baxter shares a poignant excerpt from Berry's A Consent, highlighting the simplicity and passion of effective teaching:
"Miss Minnie loved children and she loved books, and she taught merely by introducing the one to the other." [09:02]
Angelina adds humorously:
"If you had put a Wendell Berry quote on an application, you would have automatically got the job." [09:13]
-
Esme Wingfield Stratford on the Commercialization of Art:
Thomas Banks introduces a critical perspective on 19th-century art commercialization:
"Never before in history had art been so entirely the servant of commerce." [11:27]
-
Harold Goddard on the Purpose of Art:
Angelina presents a deeply reflective quote that encapsulates the book's spirit:
"Art is given us to redeem us... it ought to captivate us, carry us out of ourselves and make us over into something more nearly in its own image." [12:31]
The Struggle to Engage with Literature in Modern Culture
Dr. Baxter articulates the challenges faced by literature enthusiasts in a fast-paced, technology-driven society. He introduces the concept of "museumification," where art and literature are stripped of their original context and relegated to passive consumption in museums or academic settings.
"When we sort of drag things into... the symbolic complex of the academy or the museum... the sort of living nature of the encounter dies." [19:13]
This leads to superficial engagements with literature, where the deep, transformative experiences that great works offer are often lost.
Reimagining the Reading Experience
The discussion turns to rethinking how we approach reading. Angelina emphasizes the importance of savoring literature rather than consuming it rapidly:
"The highest praise we can give a book right now is that it's a page-turner. But you're suggesting it's actually the opposite..." [40:16]
Dr. Baxter likens reading to gardening, an organic and patient process, contrasting it with the transactional nature of modern digital consumption:
"Reading old books at least is more like gardening... it takes time." [45:34]
Purpose of Art: Entertainment vs. Transformation
Angelina challenges the contemporary perception of reading as mere entertainment. She underscores the disappointment readers feel when seeking immediate gratification from literature:
"They experience a disappointment. Well, I wasn't instantly entertained." [50:36]
Dr. Baxter agrees, asserting that art and literature demand a deeper engagement that goes beyond surface-level enjoyment. He draws parallels between literature and long-term relationships, suggesting that while both require investment, they offer profound and lasting rewards.
Personal Anecdotes: Judging Superficial Engagement
In a relatable anecdote, Angelina recounts observing a couple behaving superficially in a bookstore, reflecting on the pervasive culture of staged experiences and shallow engagements:
"They considered going to a bookstore part of an Instagram-worthy life. Shocked me." [59:13]
This story illustrates the disconnect between genuine literary appreciation and the performative consumption encouraged by social media platforms.
Conclusion and Book Promotion
As the conversation wraps up, Dr. Baxter and the hosts highlight the accessibility and conversational nature of Why Literature Still Matters. Unlike dense academic texts, the book is described as:
"Conversational and extremely accessible." [63:43]
Dr. Baxter announces his accompanying Substack, Beauty Matters, which offers multimedia resources to enrich the reading experience with photography and cultural allusions.
Angelina encourages listeners to pre-order the book at CassiodorusPress.com, emphasizing its suitability for both literature enthusiasts and newcomers seeking to understand the value of literary engagement.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Dr. Baxter underscore the vital role literature plays in fulfilling our intellectual and spiritual hunger. By advocating for a return to slow, meaningful reading habits, they champion the transformative power of stories to enrich lives and, as Angelina aptly puts it:
"Stories will save the world." [70:31]
Resources Mentioned
- Book: Why Literature Still Matters by Dr. Jason Baxter
- Substack: Beauty Matters
- Publishing House: Cassiodorus Press
- Webinars and Classes: Available at HouseOfHumaneLetters.com
Join the Conversation
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast community through the member-only Patreon forum and Facebook discussion group. Supporters can become patrons at patreon.com/theliterarylife to access bonus content and contribute to the ongoing literary conversation.
Poem Read by Thomas Banks
The episode concludes with Thomas Banks reading William Butler Yeats's The Lake Isle of Innisfree, encapsulating the serene and contemplative spirit that aligns with the podcast's mission.
Thank you for tuning into The Literary Life Podcast. Continue to cultivate your literary interests and embrace the profound impact of great literature on your life.