One Reply to “On Being Influenced by Books”

  1. I like how two strands weave together here: a book’s impact is a result from reader openness to affect and imperative to control influence of any particular book. But I don’t quite concur with the verdict of boredom: “Fair-mindedness and a balanced view are boring and dispassionate attitudes.” Could one think in terms of a medical metaphor? Wide reading inoculates the reader. Even against a malady such as boredom? Perhaps I haven’t read enough and am too easily excited by references to boredom : ) Seriously, your post reminds us to be wary of causal arguments that trip lightly over the complications.

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