Arts & Ideas Reading & Empathy
20 snips
Oct 4, 2024 
Guest
Rana Mitter
Guest
Tiffany Watt Smith
Guest
Jonathan Egid
Guest
Janine Bradbury
Guest
Elif Shafak
Guest
Gabriel Gatehouse
Gabriel Gatehouse, a journalist and broadcaster investigating conspiracy theories, hosts a lively discussion with novelist Elif Shafak, known for her thought-provoking narratives, and academic poet Janine Bradbury. They explore how reading, both fiction and history, fosters empathy in a polarizing world. Philosopher Jonathan Egid delves into the complexities of empathy, while Tiffany Watt Smith examines emotional intricacies like schadenfreude. Historian Rana Mitter links these themes to broader historical narratives, emphasizing the power of literature in understanding diverse perspectives.
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Episode notes
The Age of Distraction
- Elif Shafak believes the current age promotes hyper-information, fast consumption, and instant gratification.
- This affects everyone and makes it harder to engage in the solitude needed for novels.
Critical Reading vs. Empathy
- Janine Bradbury's research focuses on critical reading, not solely empathetic reading.
- She is cautious about using Black literature primarily to evoke empathy in white classrooms.
Empathy's Dark Side
- Tiffany Watt-Smith explains empathy's origins in sympathy, highlighting its potential downsides.
- Excessive sympathy can be overwhelming, leading to blame and disconnection.