DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with Adrian Johns, a professor of history at the University of Chicago and an expert on the history of reading. They discuss the origins of reading, starting from ancient cave paintings and the emergence of written languages like cuneiform and hieroglyphics. Johns explains how the printing press led to a massive expansion of reading materials and accessibility. He also delves into the development of literacy programs, the science of reading, and debates around teaching methods like phonics versus whole language.
Johns talks about the challenges faced by people with dyslexia and the efforts made by early researchers like Samuel Orton to understand and address the condition. He also discusses the impact of reading on social cohesion and the historical inequalities in access to literacy and reading materials. The conversation touches on modern technologies like e-books, audiobooks, and speed reading techniques, and how they interact with traditional reading practices.
Throughout the episode, Johns shares insights from his book 'The Science of Reading' and his personal experiences as a historian and writer. He reflects on the joys of research, the importance of overcoming the guilt associated with taking time for leisurely reading, and the enduring human curiosity that drives the pursuit of knowledge.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Reading practices and experiences have evolved significantly throughout human history, influenced by technological advancements, social contexts, and scientific research.
- The printing press revolutionized the accessibility and dissemination of written materials, leading to a surge in literacy and cultural exchange.
- Efforts to understand and address reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, have played a crucial role in shaping educational practices and inclusive approaches to literacy.
- Reading has been viewed as a tool for social cohesion and shared cultural experiences, leading to historical debates and initiatives around literacy programs and access to reading materials.
- Modern technologies like e-books, audiobooks, and speed reading techniques have introduced new ways of engaging with written content, prompting discussions about the nature of reading and its impact on attention and comprehension.
- Overcoming the guilt associated with leisurely reading and embracing the joy of slow, immersive reading experiences is an important perspective in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.
- The pursuit of historical research and uncovering the stories of obscure figures is driven by a boundless human curiosity and a fascination with the limitless potential of knowledge.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives have enriched our understanding of reading, drawing from fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and social sciences.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Reading experiences are themselves historical, that they change over time. So what it is to read a heavy hardback Bible in 1600 is different from what it is to read an ebook Bible now.“ by Adrian Johns
- “So there is that conviction that shared reading creates shared culture and that it's therefore a tool of kind of harmony is one that bears repeating. It bears holding to, I think.“ by Adrian Johns
- “It's a sense of the sort of limitless potential of human curiosity. I think it's eternally fascinating that to go into something like an archive, and you don't have to look for very long, like an hour or something, and you will find something.“ by Adrian Johns
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Episode Information
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
5/29/24