I read a lot. I've read history books, philosophy, political theory, lots of great works of classic fiction. But lately I've been thinking, what's it all for? I still have to wake up for work in the morning. My knowledge is limited to my own mind. There are no great upheavals or revolutions in the world where this knowledge is needed unlike the time periods that these works were written. People will say that literature and knowledge gives me pleasure and that is enough, but I don't believe it is.
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>My knowledge is limited to my own mind.
Until you write and post and share. Good sharing OP. I like your thoughts.
I know what you mean. I've also read a ton, but I've hit a point in my life where it feels like escapism.
I'm so insignificant in real life idk what is the point anymore, especially for works of political philosophy.
I am aware of the fact I'm no different from some autist memorizing obscure facts about trains or a million facts about the lore of some video game, that's what it feels like now.
Like all this pointless, esoteric knowledge while in real life I am a ghost or just plain ridiculous.
I will never be a great man, will never effect change in politics or society, so why bother reading about those that have or do?
Idk..
After reading so much for so long, can you adequately have conversations in detail related to the topics you covered? I'm beginning to be a reader and I feel like I'm still dumb. Do you do anything (take notes, participate in discussions) to help you consolidate information?
I keep a diary reflecting on my thoughts and talk to myself in my head to an utterly autistic degree. I’ve been like this since I was a child. Like I just have a constant internal monologue where I analyze everything I read and speak as if I’m an expert lecturing to others on a certain topic I’m learning about. This helps me retain knowledge and explore things in greater detail.
Damn based. I definitely need to test myself by trying to explain what I've read, whether in writing or some method of monologue. Seems tedious so I just move on but that's not the best way to learn new things.
me too. It's truly hell. Can't take a fricking shower without a 20 minute lecture.
On the plus side, we would never feel lonely or bored if in complete isolation. All we need is our mind and we can recreate Plato's dialogues, except in a more autistic manner.
Genuine question what do you write in your diary? I’ve tried to keep a little notepad to reflect and expand on thoughts throughout the day but I have no idea what to write about
>I am aware of the fact I'm no different from some autist memorizing obscure facts about trains or a million facts about the lore of some video game, that's what it feels like now.
This. I’ve spent the past twenty years of my life studying mythology, philosophy, and narratology just to sit in an office and type reports all day. I am literally just the guy that people go to if they need to know (for whatever reason) some obscure trivia about the Ming dynasty, 19th century equine equipment, Magna Carta, etc.
During my break at work a little while ago, I was rereading some of Blood Meridian (because of McCarthy’s passing) and a coworker saw me and asked:
>”Blood Meridian?” Is that like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?
>Um, no, actually it’s a little bit like “The Sound and The Fury” by William Faulkner and “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
And he looked at me like I was a fricking moron or something.
>I am literally just the guy that people go to if they need to know (for whatever reason) some obscure trivia about the Ming dynasty, 19th century equine equipment, Magna Carta, etc.
Kek pretty based anon. It may be pointless but i get it, i occassionally go on autistic little bing reads of some obscure historical topic ive gotten obsessed with, or i find a new history yt channel to binge watch.
Tell me a fun fact about the ming Dynasty.
>a coworker saw me and asked:
>”Blood Meridian?” Is that like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?
Your coworker sounds like a tard.
>>”Blood Meridian?” Is that like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?
>>Um, no, actually it’s a little bit like “The Sound and The Fury” by William Faulkner and “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
Well, you are frickin moronic.
>There are no great upheavals or revolutions in the world where this knowledge is needed unlike the time periods that these works were written
Are you kidding? We need good works now more than ever. We're devoid of them in every medium.
Yes, but there are no great writers or thinkers anymore, and even if there were truly great works of art and theory being written today no one would read them. That is the problem. The domain of literature, which has shaped human history for thousands of years, has been relegated to a mere hobby.
Do it despite it all my friend. I have felt the same feelings and my recourse is to write my own. With all my knowledge I will produce beautiful things. Even if only I see them, It will all be in defiance of the great ugliness.
Of course there isn’t any great anyone if you all are thinking like this. What a downer!!
Reading is dead though. Attention spans have been reduced to a capacity of 10 seconds before the mind wanders off. Everything has been geared to profit, nothing has substance anymore. Depth is ridicules. The future of humanity in terms of culture and intellectualism is utterly grim, there is no demand for anything but quick fixes
The fact that you're asking these questions means you're on the right track. Just keep reading (and jouranaling).
>jouranaling
You apply it to your own life. I wrote down the fundamentals of my philosophy and thought process so I can remember for later and also have high and intellectual moral values to be a better man in life. I only did this though because I’m afraid my mind might slip one day and I won’t be able to rely on just my mind to connect those dots again.
You said: “Why read works that won’t be needed in my life? What’s the point?”
That’s the right question to ask. What is the point? When I read intellectual works or make a decision on what to read it’s based on 2 questions.
“Will this help me in life in some way?”
Or
“Will this be an interesting or fun read? Yay! Fun!!”
Why would I read a book on the history of the Chinese or whatever else if I don’t care for the information nor will it help me in anyway? It seems like your just reading some books just for the sake of knowledge or because you feel like you have to which is bizarre. What’s the point of knowledge if it doesn’t truly help you mentally or physically? (Diversify your ideas or make you better in whatever way is important to you)
Also op expand your life. Knowledge gained for experience is very important if not more so.
scire propter scire
In this case why complain when the knowledge ends up being useless? OP shouldn’t even make this thread.
Stop reading. You'd still have to wake up every morning and go to work and wagie in your cagie. Giving up on literature won't give you a reprieve. You can suffer in the company of humanity's greatest thinkers, or you can suffer alone. Your question is pointless.
Become a writer. Unironically, we need people like yourself in the culture war
I have no interest in culture war bullshit although I have wanted to write books or make movies since childhood. Gradually I've discarded this ambition
why
If I write a book then I won't get published as a straight white male, if the book is actually great then no one will read it regardless, and in today's climate the only way to become a filmmaker is to have family members in the industry already or be a Harvard rich kid.
I just write about random reflections or observations about my life and the world. Sometimes it's only a sentence or 2, other days I write paragraphs. I just got a ton of shit going through my mind all day so it's effortless for me.
Write. You must.
Because you’ve read these books thinking you’re destined to become a great man of history. You’ve approached this with zero purpose and no goals in mind, except quenching your vanity and rampant narcissism. Some of these replies are very cringe and show the true profundity of the board.
Pretty much
Consooomer ? But not all is lost. Perhaps
one day all that info in your head, from hours of voracious reading, will burst forth into
something that can be monetized. For now the knowledge you've acquired and continue to acquire is being Barrel Aged like wine. Not all people have the same palette however and sometimes the wine tastes like shit. In due time
the sommeliers will have their say, if you dare.
https://
discord
gg/yNnD5n7y
Then read things that concern our current politics. The internet is a constant battlefield of bullshit, if your knowledge is so great then make something of it, make youtube videos for example.
Aristotle educated Alexander and Alexander used that knowledge to literally take over the world. Off course Alexander was born a prince so I don't think you could take over the world, but maybe you could take over a company. If you feel that your knowledge is of no application either read different books or start finding ways to use it.
I will be Aristotle. Who wishes to learn, use the knowledge to conquer? Is there any man among you who will take up the spear? Do you fear that its point will be turned against you? My tip is sharp, blood's the price, but do not be afraid, all wounds heal.
Another example is Marcus Aurelius. His entire philosophy is based around the idea that anyone even an emperor of Rome, is always lacking in some emotional regard and will always have problems. The knowledge of stoicism is to combat problems which all humans from all ranks of life share. If you are only focused on material gain then you don’t even need knowledge. You will be stuck like the narrator from Marcel’s great book, forever walking down the road to the Guermantes residence without ever reaching it.
>If you are only focused on material gain then you don’t even need knowledge.
Doubt. One needs to know how money works. Even a thief needs to know how a lock works.
Read the essay Isaiah's Job by Albert Jay Nock, and write for the Remnant.
For me I read a lot of things very unrelated to my work. I'm an energy engineer, but just finished the divine comedy, paradise lost, the Odyssey... I have a lot of fun reading these things in my free time for the sole purpose of learning something about this beautiful world and the people of the past. This planet and everything on here is a pure miracle.
I have no place whatsoever to apply the things I read (most of the time) but as another anon mentioned, it helps to become a rational and morally good human being. My wife and I are travelling to japan in a few weeks, which is why I started reading a tale of Genji and finished Snow country, to get me into the mood.
Hell even stuff like the art of war or the prince helped me. Political philosophy, when apolied to Big Corporations works the same. I'm still young and in a field with a lot of different career possibilities. Knowing one or two things about the way a state is ruled reels like something that can be useful in 10 years, if I ever manage to be a CEO somewhere.
All in all I would read even if I have a single benefit in my every day life, but a lot of books, or knowledge i general will be helpful at one point or another.
Just a slight reference somewhere about the odyssey or greek myths or being in dantes birth house in florence after finishing the divine comedy was absolutely worth it. G0DXPG
If anything, makes me better at debating homies on the internet
Literally Faust
>he fell for le knowledge meme
Being in a board full of "smart kids" that never did anything with it should've given you a clue. You will not be summoned for your great knowledge by the next alexander. The really good car salesman who thinks julius caesar was a fictional character might. Actual skills matter in the real world.
it always comes down to that. "why am i doing this, why that, why? " and so many same stupid fricking questions, all of those things lead me to think im supposed to just end it all. i mean, if u don't like it, frick off and don't complain about it. i work 9-5, smoke a pack of cigars a day, come home, code, workout, read. i do stuff i like, and sometimes, i hate it all. and im only 20 anon, and my brain wants to end it all. my family thinks the same, " you? you read the bible? go make money or something, you dont have time." i dont have time they say. time for what? where are we all going? what are we doing? it doesnt matter anon. if u don't like it, leave it. simple. go fish, hunt, jerk off, sleep, workout, jump into fricking rivers or something, but just love what you are doing. much love
You're an animal anon, you can believe whatever you want. Be unsatisfied, what does it change? You will die. You're a prisoner for life, you've been condemned to existence. Embrace it or be anxious for the rest of your time here. I'd recommend you take a hike and go look at some plants or something.
You can't talk to him like that. He did nothing wrong.
I don't think I insulted him, he says he doesn't know what any of his activity is for. What does it matter, it could be for menial interest or passionate, ungrounded conviction. Either one is fine, nobody secretly conditioned existence on something and hid it from him. Personally, I'm just happy I have books to read. It's a stimulating way to pass the time.
I look at porn everyday of my life to come to a conclusion and this is how you feel? I don't even know what happened to the crazy world. All I know is that I looked at my mom too intently and saw ~~**~~
I literally can't. Unless if there is a vulnerability which I feel it whenever I get emotional and cry from the heart.
been waiting for an opportunity to pull this out
It's not a hellscape lol, plants are fun to look at. There is a lot of them. The world is endlessly stimulating.
>There are no great upheavals or revolutions in the world where this knowledge is needed
The plight of the strong man in good times. In other words first world problems
Have you tried getting laid? No, seriously. How many contacts do you have in your phone? Be honest. Less than 50?
Anon, I'll tell you a secret. There's a difference between knowing and knowing what to do.
Yours are knowing. What to do now? Should you pursue academia and write thesis on whatever you know?
😀
>But lately I've been thinking, what's it all for?
the second I see this I know whatever you read was wasted on you
look at the world around you and connect it to what you read, let your actions and your beliefs stem from your evolving understanding of reality (it will absolutely change even if you read the most obscure niche historical non-fiction)
no matter what the seething brainlets on this board and elsewhere tell you if you read a thousand books and are the same and behave the same way you did before you started then you have read no books at all
Not OP, but nice reply.
>look at the world around you and connect it to what you read, let your actions and your beliefs stem from your evolving understanding of reality (it will absolutely change even if you read the most obscure niche historical non-fiction)
I agree. Even reading a children's book can ripple your mind if you really try to understand the book.
>no matter what the seething brainlets on this board and elsewhere tell you if you read a thousand books and are the same and behave the same way you did before you started then you have read no books at all
I know. I've been there before, knowing but remembering nothing.
I really like your reply, sir
beautiful reply. no joke I'd read your books if you ever published sth.
Yea Paul the apostle wrote it best
>If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
Knowledge is worthless on its own
Make a list of viable alternatives, then choose one or two of them and switch over. If reading has made (you) a whiner then it's clearly no good for you; indeed, it isn't for everybody, so? Do something else, and best of luck.
ITT: mopey little b***hes
Waaaah waaaah waaaaah I read 50 books on political economy and no one will let me manage the national finances! Woe is me, woe is me!!!
If you don't like reading and don't want to read, and don't benefit from reading either, then stop reading. It's that simple. I stopped reading about politics when I lost interest in politics, I stopped reading about culture when I lost interest in culture, and currently I read only about spirituality. If I get bored with this too, I will either find something else, or I will stop reading in general. And then maybe one day I will start up again. Maybe it will be politics. Maybe something else. It's not rocket science. All you have to do is figure out what you're in the mood for doing.
I feel the same way OP. It feels like it is a form of procrastination for me. I am quite successful in my professional life but I have no social life whatsoever, and I turn inward and often read to pass the time (I enjoy it, too).
I've been considering finishing my undergrad in literature just for the sake of having my hobby turn into something real an tangible, despite this not having any professional value - not that I'd use it anyway (I am an executive at a marketing company - I will never be a "job seeker" again so don't need a fluff for my resume) - it does still seem like a good process to go through for the sake of reflecting on what I read and producing analysis and discussion.
I could do the same thing on my own, but a degree program seems to apply some level of consistency and return.
How rigged is modern politics? If I came out of nowhere as a nobody with policies antagonistic to both the established left and right, could I ever get far? I need to do something with something.
either suck the chode of wealthy oil magnates or look up "the best party" in reyjkavik, iceland... an actually fresh take on modern politics
look at what happened to drumpf. And he was a successful insider
One word: Trump (he was a fluke, though)
>so
reading fills your brain with stuff
>now
you need to communicate that stuff to others
>see
Remember this, Anon: the Enlightenment is the process, not the end result. Virtually all major belief systems that have lasted through modern day have hinged on the surprisingly little-spoken idea that it is the love for the journey, not the lust for the destination, that brings the greatest holistic and sustainable joys. You can think about how we're all going to die and how there's no percievable meaning coded into our universe outside of our own minds and social constructions but... oh, wow, it's so beautiful outside! I believe I see a butterfly sitting on that leaf, just above the lazy rapids of the brook. The wind carries the scent of fresh grass and aged pine as well. What a beautiful world we can call our home! What was I mulling over again? No bother, this life, this moment, these possibilities for joy and love are far too great to pass up.
This is the answer.
If you've had your fill with absorbing knowledge and fantasy, perhaps it's time to produce your own.
When all lands have been explored and every rock turned over, the only place left to explore is within.
we're just distracting ourselves til we die peacefully like everyone else
You obviously are a halfwit without the divine spark. Focus on finding the spark or cease your efforts
I can actually smell this post.
huh what u mean???
There's a reason book-readers were once regarded the same way video game players are now. Books are escapism. Books do not offer you any knowledge you could not obtain by simply living; if you believe otherwise, then you admit you must be educated by books and are totally incapable of surviving in any meaningful way on your own. In the natural world you would be dead, but you live in the era of book-readin' and video game playin', and that's a soft world indeed so your weakness is not only excusable but may allow you to skirt by with the things once reserved for good men (a family, a career, etc.)
We read partly for pleasure, but mostly to enable us to build monuments. We gather building blocks that we may build with them, not hoard.
> I read a lot. I've read history books, philosophy, political theory, lots of great works of classic fiction. But lately I've been thinking, what's it all for? I still have to wake up for work in the morning. My knowledge is limited to my own mind. There are no great upheavals or revolutions in the world where this knowledge is needed unlike the time periods that these works were written. People will say that literature and knowledge gives me pleasure and that is enough, but I don't believe it is
I just started reading because I felt ashamed that I couldn't name 10 books.
I'm not getting pwnd by some teenager with a weird accent.