The Quote
Read the new New Yorker piece on Phillip Pullman, if you need to gear up for heading back to class this week.
Pullman makes a case for the “literary School of Morals,” the ambiguous, dynamic democratic conversation that contradicts “theocracy” which he defines as “the tendency of human beings to gather power to themselves in the name of something that may not be questioned.” Pullman claims that theocratic impulses will eventually “defeat” the literary School of Morals, but that we should just plug along anyway, acting as if literary work can make a difference:
“I think we should act as if. I think we should read books, and tell children stories, and take them to the theatre, and learn poems and make music, as if it would make a difference…We should act as if the universe were listening to us and responding. We should act as if life were going to win.”
Pullman’s words are a good shot in the arm for me as I head back into second semester with the sixers. I’ve spent the day editing drafts. They're not the greatest, but they're all I've got right now so I’m practicing acting as if.
This is the penultimate day of vacation and Husbandman and I are heading out to the basketball game. Go Hoosiers!
Comments
we beat michigan tonight in a handy victory. Go IU. Fight fight fight.
I do think Pullman is wrong about Tolkien though.
i am going to investigate podcasts of the ny articles, as i'm currently obsessed with my new mp3 player.
however, podcast or no podcast, i will read this one.
your blog has been quite literary over break. i think you may have been thinking too hard.
K, Have you read the Golden Compass? Q. good. I only read the first one, but it's a great read. Pullman was tough on Tolkien, you're right. I've never read that series, but we have some fans here in the house. It was Tolkien's birthday yesterday, btw. Writer's Almanac told me that. I liked his comments about the avoidance of adulthood in children's books.
kace, i'm jealous of your mp3. i better start saving the pennies. I have been reading a lot during this break. If i didn't have to work, i would turn my livingroom into a literary salon, ala Gertrude Stein. Awesome idea, yes???
Kateg, I too find the Miss Bates scene very powerful; I have a nearly physical reaction to it, and it always makes me think of all the times I have been less than kind to people in my own life.
Lh: I never read Pullman. National Theatre in London was doing His Dark Materials and some friends of mine loved it. Re Childrens books, have you read Dark is Rising Series by Susan Cooper? I loved that series.
t, i like your blog, thanks for visiting.
Haven't read Susan Cooper, Kate, but i know of her. i have friends who are big fans.
jdoc, peter agrees about subtle knife. may have to get the cd's. could get me back on the treadmill?