A YouGov poll reveals 40% of Britons haven't read a book in the past year, reflecting a trend that worries many literature enthusiasts. Philip Roth predicted a decline in reading due to reduced attention spans, which studies support. The average focus time has dropped significantly. However, despite these challenges, over 55% of readers still prefer fiction, affirming that literature holds enduring appeal. In our information-saturated age, fostering knowledge and wisdom is crucial, and long-form narratives continue to play a vital role in this pursuit.
Roth believed that the habit of mind that literature required was bound to disappear. People would no longer have the concentration or the isolation needed to read novels.
The same YouGov polling shows that among those who read, more than 55% prefer fiction. Talk to any publisher or bookseller and they will confirm it: the appetite for reading novels is still widespread.
We live in an era in which there is too much information but not enough knowledge, and even less wisdom. This excess of information makes us arrogant and then it makes us numb.
For knowledge we need books, slow journalism, podcasts, in-depth analyses and cultural events. And for wisdom, among other things, we need the art of storytelling. We need the long form.
Collection
[
|
...
]