you don't have to get it // reasons to read

Summary

The speaker reflects on the joy of consuming art without needing to fully understand it, using the album 'For Emma, Forever Ago' as an example. They discuss the pressure to analyze every piece of art deeply but argue that sometimes the experience and personal connection are enough. Drawing from their own love for 'The Count of Monte Cristo' and the impact of 'Huckleberry Finn', they encourage embracing the art for what it is, even if it's not fully comprehended, and not letting the fear of misunderstanding prevent enjoyment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Loving an album or a book without fully understanding it is perfectly fine.
• 📚 Consuming art for its vibe and emotional impact, rather than its deep meaning, is valid.
• 🎨 Not everything you enjoy needs to be deeply analyzed or understood.
• 📝 It's okay to appreciate a story, music, or artwork without being able to explain or interpret every aspect of it.
• 📖 The Count of Monte Cristo is an example of a complex story that can still be deeply enjoyed without full comprehension.
• 🛒 Choosing books based on aesthetic appeal or curiosity, without worrying about deep analysis, is encouraged.
• 🤔 You don't need to remember every character or detail to appreciate a story.
• 🔍 Resources like analyses and interviews are available if you want to dive deeper, but they're not mandatory for enjoyment.
• 👶 Many impactful books from childhood were enjoyed without understanding every nuance.
• ⏳ Time and experience might eventually reveal deeper meanings in the art you consume.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the album 'For Emma, Forever Ago' by Bon Iver?

The album 'For Emma, Forever Ago' is known for its emotional depth and intimate songwriting, often evoking a sense of solitude and introspection. The specific themes may vary per song, but the overall vibe is what the speaker appreciates, even without fully understanding the lyrics.

Why does the speaker feel nervous about not understanding the lyrics of the album?

The speaker feels nervous because they believe there might be an expectation to understand and explain the art they consume, and they worry that not being able to do so might make them seem less knowledgeable or a 'hack' in their appreciation of the album.

What does the speaker suggest about the necessity of understanding art deeply?

The speaker suggests that while deep understanding of art can be rewarding, it is not a requirement for appreciation. Art is meant to be consumed and interpreted by the individual, and not understanding every detail does not diminish the value of the experience.

What book does the speaker mention as their favorite and why is it their favorite?

The speaker's favorite book is 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. They love it for its engaging story that includes elements of injustice, revenge, romance, and adventure, and they appreciate it even without fully understanding or remembering every detail.

Why did the speaker continue reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo' even after realizing its length?

The speaker was too invested in the story by the time they realized the book's length. They had started reading it as an eBook and had gotten far enough into the story that they decided to finish it, despite the initial plan to wait for the physical copy from the library.

What is the speaker's opinion on the necessity of understanding symbolism in literature?

The speaker believes that understanding symbolism is not always necessary for enjoying literature. They argue that one can appreciate a book for its story and impact without needing to analyze every symbol or character's name.

What are the alternatives the speaker considers for dealing with difficult books?

The alternatives considered are going back to school, only reading books they are sure they can interpret on their own, stopping reading entirely due to the fear of not understanding, or continuing to read without the pressure of understanding everything as a research paper.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to enhance understanding of a difficult book?

The speaker suggests looking up analyses or interpretations online, such as on YouTube, or seeking out interviews with the author to gain more insight without having to go back to school or overanalyze the text.

How does the speaker relate the experience of reading 'Huckleberry Finn' to the idea of art impacting before being understood?

The speaker relates 'Huckleberry Finn' by stating that the book taught them about and helped them imagine a world they knew before they could have known it was doing so. This suggests that the greatness of art can be felt and internalized before one can articulate or understand it critically.

What is the speaker's experience with 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy and what did they take away from it?

The speaker found 'Blood Meridian' confusing and violent, often needing to read summaries to understand the plot. Despite not fully 'getting' the book, they appreciated it as a piece of art and were glad to have experienced it, even if they couldn't articulate its deeper meanings.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the consumption of art and literature?

The speaker advises not to let the fear of not fully understanding art or literature be a barrier to consumption. They encourage embracing the experience and enjoying art for what it is, even if one cannot analyze or explain every aspect of it.