Chapter 1: The Role of Poetry in Understanding Society

In contemplating my initial article on Medium, titled “We don’t read poetry. Understand why and you understand everything wrong with us as a society,” I’ve noticed a significant evolution in my views.

Writing for Medium presents a unique challenge, as it contrasts sharply with the lengthy process of crafting a book. Medium encourages rapid expression, capturing thoughts in a fleeting moment rather than presenting a cohesive narrative that spans years. Over time, I've shared several substantial ideas, particularly regarding the societal implications of poetry's decline.

My central argument posits that the modern societal malaise is best understood through the lens of poetry’s absence. This void signifies a broader disconnect from metaphorical language, leading to an epistemological literalism that hampers our understanding of myth and symbols. We've become overly focused on the literal interpretation of experiences, often dismissing deeper meanings that poetry can illuminate.

In my subsequent essays, particularly the “Meaning Crisis and Language” series, I elaborated on how this literalism shapes our relationship with religion, reducing myth and ritual to mere scientific truths or rendering them utterly meaningless. I contend that poetry serves as a vital form of epistemology, providing insights through metaphor and trope that have historically guided human understanding.

While I’ve moderated my emphasis on these points in my later writings, I believe the essence of my argument remains relevant. Upon reflection, I recognize some of my assertions may come across as hyperbolic; for instance, I previously referred to science as a “delusion,” intending to highlight its heuristic nature rather than dismiss its validity outright.

The crux of my argument is that art fundamentally conveys meaning, yet contemporary perceptions often strip this meaning away. We tend to view our existence as a random occurrence, leading to a nihilistic perspective that undermines the significance of artistic expression. As Brian Cox aptly noted, “meaning is local,” reducing art to mere preferences rather than profound insights.

Consequently, the absence of religion has left us in a quagmire of epistemological literalism. Though science offers substantial knowledge, it is ultimately a tool; we find ourselves in an age rich in technological advancements yet lacking in spiritual understanding. Walker Percy poignantly stated, “You live in a deranged age — more deranged than usual — because despite great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of who he is or what he is doing.”

Once we adopt literal language as our guiding heuristic, it becomes increasingly difficult to reconnect with the intuitive understanding provided by myth and ritual. Wittgenstein’s assertion that “It is love that believes the resurrection” reminds us that certain truths transcend objective comprehension. There are experiences that can only be grasped through personal understanding, a notion that may frustrate more rational thinkers.

In our current climate, “faith” has become a controversial term, especially as public representations of religion often appear as caricatures, leading to misconceptions about spiritual beliefs. The fervor surrounding political figures has arguably damaged faith as much as any opposing ideological force. Literalism, it seems, is a double-edged sword.

Recently, I revisited John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, a book I hadn’t encountered since childhood. While some of its pious rhetoric struck me as clumsy, I found the core narrative surprisingly poignant. Despite the dense Puritan language, the story resonates with the notion that our current state compels us toward something greater. Bunyan, through his reformed perspective, contributed significantly to the English novel tradition, illustrating the journey of individualism.

Christian’s departure from home, driven by mockery, symbolizes a quest for spiritual and moral transformation. This metaphor remains relevant today, resonating through contemporary wellness trends, meditation, and personal growth movements. Though Bunyan’s worldview may seem archaic, his exploration of individualism and the metaphorical journey toward self-discovery endures.

As we navigate our modern lives, we may still glimpse Bunyan’s wicker gate on the periphery of our chaotic existence, reminding us that we traverse time as pilgrims seeking deeper understanding.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.

Chapter 2: Exploring Poetry's Depths

The first video, Poems You Should Know: The Waste Land, provides an insightful overview of T.S. Eliot's work and its cultural significance.

In the second video, The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot: The Burial of the Dead Poetry Summary and Analysis (Part 2/6), we delve deeper into the themes and elements of this pivotal poem.