Julian Barnes's latest book features five micro-essays, originally for a radio series, focusing on the theme of open-mindedness. He discusses the dual nature of language: its power to represent truth or mislead. He champions the ability to reconsider beliefs with new insights, referring to his evolving views on literature and memory. Barnes shares personal transformations in opinion, including a newfound appreciation for EM Forster, highlighting the joy of changing one’s mind. However, the book struggles to convey the original broadcast's dynamic effectively on the page.
I believe deeply in words, in their ability to represent thought, define truth, and create beauty. I'm equally aware that words are constantly used for the opposite purposes.
A clever person ought to be able to rethink old convictions in light of new evidence and life experience—to see one's misperceptions for what they are and change one's mind.
The pleasure of being proved wrong can be a genuine pleasure. He has likewise changed his mind about memory.
After a lifetime of despising EM Forster's prissiness, he eventually came around to him, discovering a subversive and delightfully unpatriotic writer.
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