Reading And Thought Dwight Macdonald Summary

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Reading and Thought Essay
In the article “Reading and Thought,” Dwight Macdonald expresses his disagreement with Henry Luce’s idea of functional curiosity. Henry Luce defines functional curiosity as a kind of searching, hungry interest in what is happening everywhere—“born not of an idle desire to be entertained or amused, but of a solid conviction that the news intimately and vitally affects the lives of everyone now.” On the other hand, MacDonald’s opinion on the idea of functional curiosity is that while curiosity exists, it does not help the person strengthen his or her reading skills. Macdonald compares today’s writings to how they were in the past eras and find modern day writings to be overwhelming and irrelevant. Macdonald believes
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While many critique Google’s providing instant gratification of information, there are benefits to the use of technology in making reading more accessible. A prime example of the use of technology in promoting critical reading is the Kindle highlighting function. Kindle allows readers to read their favorite books no matter where they are, and allows them to highlight portions that are noteworthy or that they would like to reference at a later point. By using a Kindle, readers have access to a wealth of books in one device. Similarly, audible allows for listening to books when reading them may be impossible, such as for the blind or when a person is driving. In addition, Audible brings characters to life and adds the narrative value of emotion and tone. Good Reads directly uses the Internet to unite communities of readers to share, rate, and encourage the critical reading of books. The use of community to promote critical thought without the use of technology or the Internet is also effective. Reading clubs engage a group of people in reading the same book and meeting to discuss the thoughts, opinions, and insights of that material. As to book tours, which are increasingly uncommon, the author him or herself reads their work to the audience. The connection between people reading the same piece and sharing their experience of that work exhibits the style of reading that is meaningful and not completed on a mere whim.
MacDonald describes a significant problem with the lack of critical reading, and therefore critical thought, that is characteristic of today’s fast-paced society. Like most big changes in history, with the disadvantages of technological advancement also comes advantages. While society may not take the time to read critically and thoughtfully, there are some who use the Internet and other tools to continue to make reading

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