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.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Embracing Art Without Full Understanding 🎶

The speaker begins by reflecting on their love for the album 'For Emma Forever Ago' by Bon Iver, despite not fully understanding its lyrics or the intricacies of its creation. They express a moment of self-doubt, questioning whether it's acceptable to enjoy art without being able to analyze it in depth. The paragraph emphasizes the idea that it's not necessary to dissect every piece of art like a scientific paper, and that personal interpretation and the emotional impact of art are valid and valuable. The speaker uses 'The Count of Monte Cristo' as an example of a book they love without being able to fully articulate why, highlighting the joy of consuming art for its own sake. They also touch on the idea of seeking external help, like professors or online analysis, when trying to understand more complex works, but ultimately argue that the pursuit of complete understanding should not hinder the enjoyment of art.

05:00

📚 The Freedom to Enjoy Books Without Comprehension 📚

In the second paragraph, the speaker discusses the experience of reading and the freedom to enjoy books without feeling the need to fully understand or analyze them. They recount a moment from 'Huckleberry Finn' that left a lasting impression despite not grasping its full significance as a child. The speaker also shares their recent experience with 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy, a book they found confusing and violent, yet still impactful. They admit to relying on summaries to follow the plot and express their appreciation for the moments of profundity amidst the chaos. The paragraph concludes with an encouragement to read and enjoy literature without the pressure of complete comprehension, suggesting that the value of a book can be found in its ability to resonate with the reader, even if its deeper meanings remain elusive.

Keywords

💡Album

An album is a collection of audio recordings issued as a single item on CD, record, audio tape, or another medium. In the script, the album 'For Emma Forever Ago' by Bon Iver is mentioned as a source of inspiration and a subject of personal connection, despite not fully understanding all the lyrics. It represents the idea that one can appreciate art without needing to dissect it completely.

💡Vibe

Vibe refers to the atmosphere or mood that is associated with a particular person, place, or thing. The script mentions loving the album for its 'vibe,' which suggests an emotional connection that goes beyond the literal understanding of the lyrics, highlighting the subjective experience of art.

💡Lyrics

Lyrics are the words to a musical composition. The script discusses the speaker's partial knowledge of the lyrics of the album, indicating that understanding every word is not a prerequisite for enjoying music, and that the emotional resonance can come from the overall feel rather than the specific words.

💡Hackle

The term 'hackle' is not explicitly defined in the script, but it seems to be used metaphorically to express self-doubt about one's depth of understanding or appreciation for art. The speaker questions whether they are a 'hack' for enjoying an album without fully understanding it, which ties into the broader theme of whether deep analysis is necessary for artistic appreciation.

💡Interpretation

Interpretation is the process of understanding and explaining the meaning of something. The script suggests that art is meant to be interpreted by the consumer, and that personal interpretation is valid even if it doesn't align with the artist's original intent or a scholarly analysis.

💡Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo is a novel by Alexandre Dumas. It is mentioned in the script as the speaker's favorite book, used to illustrate the point that one can deeply appreciate a work of art without remembering every detail or understanding all its nuances.

💡Symbolism

Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. The script mentions the reluctance to look for symbolism in a book, suggesting that the enjoyment of literature can be hindered by the pressure to analyze and find deeper meaning in every element.

💡Research Paper

A research paper is an academic writing that presents an argument based on evidence and research. The script uses the term to contrast the depth of analysis expected in academic settings with the more casual and personal engagement with art and literature that the speaker advocates.

💡Bedtime Story

A bedtime story is a narrative read to children before they go to sleep. The script compares a favorite book to the world's best bedtime story, emphasizing the enjoyment and comfort that can come from engaging with a story without needing to critically analyze it.

💡Analysis

Analysis is the detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. The script discusses the availability of song analyses and artist interviews online, but also argues that endless research and analysis should not be a barrier to simply enjoying art.

💡Huckleberry Finn

Huckleberry Finn, also known as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is a novel by Mark Twain. The script references an author's personal connection to the book from childhood, suggesting that the impact of art can be profound without a conscious understanding of its literary significance.

💡Blood Meridian

Blood Meridian is a novel by Cormac McCarthy. The script describes the speaker's experience with the book as confusing and not fully understood, yet still valuable as a piece of art that was experienced, even if not completely 'gotten'.

Highlights

The speaker expresses a deep appreciation for the album 'For Emma Forever Ago' by Bon Iver, despite not fully understanding all its lyrics.

The speaker admits to feeling nervous about being a 'hack' for enjoying the album without being able to explain or understand it completely.

The idea that one does not have to fully understand art to appreciate it is introduced, with the encouragement to enjoy the vibe of the album.

The speaker shares their favorite book, 'The Count of Monte Cristo', and how they became invested in it despite not fully understanding it at the time.

The notion of consuming art without the pressure of deep analysis is emphasized, comparing it to reading a book for fun as a child.

The speaker suggests that the emotional impact of a book can be more significant than one's ability to analyze it, using 'The Count of Monte Cristo' as an example.

The speaker discusses the limitations of one's ability to understand and interpret everything, proposing alternatives to the pressure of full comprehension.

The idea of seeking out analysis or interpretations of art, such as looking up 'For Emma Forever Ago' on YouTube, is presented as a potential way to deepen understanding without the need for personal analysis.

The speaker reflects on the benefits of having someone guide you through difficult books, as they did in college, but acknowledges that such guidance is not always available.

The speaker encourages the audience to continue reading and consuming art, even if they don't fully understand it, by using the example of 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy.

The concept of allowing art to 'wash over' you without the need for complete understanding is suggested as a valid way to engage with literature.

The speaker shares an anecdote about reading 'Huckleberry Finn' as a child and how it impacted them, even though they couldn't articulate why at the time.

The importance of the moment in 'Huckleberry Finn' where Huck decides to do what he believes is right, despite societal norms, is highlighted as a powerful example of art's impact.

The speaker discusses the potential for art to teach and inspire before one is consciously aware of its influence, using Wendell Berry's essay as a reference.

The speaker concludes by reassuring the audience that it is okay to enjoy art without fully understanding it, and that the desire to analyze everything can be a barrier to consumption.

Transcripts

recently I was thinking about the album

for Emma Forever Ago by bony ver and how

much I love it and how much I also don't

get it I know maybe a tenth of the

lyrics I know a little bit about the

album's creation process but for the

most part I just love it for the vibe

but then I started thinking I got a

little nervous like am I a hack for

liking this album so much and putting it

on my lists of favorite albums but not

being able to like explain or understand

it and that's what inspired reasons to

read number six you don't have to get it

now don't get me wrong I think it's

awesome when you're able to do a deep

dive and totally understand the

nitty-gritty of how something was made

and what the artist intended but you

can't do that for everything so I think

there's definitely a case to be made for

consuming art and not worrying about

whether you get it or not you're not

reading a scientific paper you are

consuming something that was made to be

artistic and interpreted by you so I

think even if you just walk away from

something and go wow that was crazy that

that might be enough my favorite book of

all time is the count of mon Christo

I've read it front to back twice and

then little Snippets here and there I

read it for the first time in high

school and I didn't know how long it was

when I started it I started Ed reading

it as an ebook while I waited for it to

come from the library and by the time it

came and I realized oh my gosh I should

not be reading this I was too far in and

I was too invested so I ended up

finishing it and it's now my favorite

book okay so pivoting back to you let's

say you're at Barnes & Noble or a thrift

store or the airport right before you

get on a really long flight and you see

this really cool book and you think wow

that looks so pretty and the cover is so

interesting and I like feels kind of

nice when I hold it and it's by that

dust resi guy and I think I'm going to

really like it and then you think you

know last time I read a book it was Nam

English class and my teacher made me

annotate and highlight all the pages and

look for symbolism and I I didn't really

get that and I don't really want to do

symbolism today been a long day you know

I don't think I'll get it you don't have

to get it like entirely on every level

heck forget forget symbolism you don't

even have to remember who all the

characters names are I've read the count

of mon kristo twice and there are Still

Moments where if you ask me hey what do

you think about this character I'd be

like who what were when were they in the

book or like I don't know how to

pronounce almost anyone's names I'm not

even going to try here but I'll put them

on the screen they're all French so they

all have these crazy names I can't say

uh I never took a class that discussed

this book so I'm sure there are really

important parts I'm missing and it's

still my favorite book why um it's a

it's a good story it's a great story I

won't I won't spoil it but there's

Injustice there's swords betrayal

there's Revenge there's romance like

it's got It's got everything and you

don't have to have a PhD to understand

this is a terrific book think of it as

the world's best bedtime story this was

not supposed to be a kind of mon

Chrystal plug but I it's not in the

script but I I can't stop now okay back

to the script so there's a there's a

huge benefit if you do have somebody to

maybe walk you through a difficult book

like I had the benefit in College of

having some professors break down some

really heavy books I would probably

never have read let alone understood but

you know I don't have that now so what

are my Alternatives a I go back to

school which you know maybe that would

actually be kind of fun B I only read

books I'm 100% sure I can 100% interpret

on my own C I stop reading entirely

because you know I don't want to risk

not understanding something or D I just

keep reading and I'm okay if not

everything I do is a research paper I

can look it up if I want more details I

can do that taking it back to for Emma

forever ago if you go on YouTube and

look up for Emma Forever Ago analysis

there are dozens of breakdowns there's

breakdowns of specific songs I'm sure

there are interviews with the artist

explaining it and I'm sure they're

awesome but there's no end to it right

you could continue researching the same

thing over and over and over again to

come to a potentially complete

understanding of something which you

can't do I just want to reassure you and

myself that you are not a hack if you

just consume art and think about it and

think that it's great and don't write a

research paper about it that's fine

right didn't you ever read a book as a

kid for fun and it was super impactful

on your life even though you didn't have

the words to express why and you

certainly couldn't break the book down

uh the author Wendel Barry did and he

writes about it in his essay collection

what are people for uh specifically in

the essay writer in region and he says I

first read Huckleberry Finn when I was a

young boy it was the Webster Edition

with ew kemble's illustrations my mother

may have told me that was a classic but

I did not know that it was for I had no

understanding of that category and I did

not read books because they were

Classics I don't remember starting to

read Huckleberry fin or how many times I

read it I can only testify that it is a

book that is to me literally familiar

involved in my family life my point is

that Huckleberry fin is about a world I

know or knew which it both taught me

about and taught me to imagine that it

did this before I could have known that

it was doing so and certainly before

anybody told me to expect it to do so so

suggests its greatness to me more

forcibly than any critical assessment I

have ever read he's reading Huckleberry

Finn he can't remember the first time he

picked it up and now as an accomplished

author he's able to analyze his thoughts

but your thoughts can impact you before

you understand them I read Huckleberry

Finn as a boy probably a little too

young to read it definitely too young to

understand it but I read it many times

there's some moments in that book that

just stick with you there's a moment

where Huck has been helping his friend

Jim who is enslaved but has escaped and

at some point in the book he has a

conflict of conscience and he thinks

what I'm doing is wrong cuz he's been

conditioned to believe that helping a

slave Escape is is wrong so he's

thinking I I've got to return him I got

to do the right thing so he writes a

note and he tells the owner that where

Jim is and then he looks at the note and

then he thinks about it for a minute and

he says all right then I'll go to hell

and he rips it up and it's a wild moment

it's I remember reading that as a kid

and I couldn't have explained it but it

stuck with me all of these years and

just the thought of sometimes you know

know deep down the right thing to do

even though the world outside is not

telling you that but I'm so glad I read

that book before I could get it a more

recent example for me is this year you

know as a grown adult I just read Blood

Meridian by cormack McCarthy and man I

did not get that book at all if you're

not familiar it's a very violent Western

that's that's all you need to know for

now and it's so confusing at least well

maybe if you got it I'm embarrassed but

to me it was so confusing I was

listening to the Audi book every two

chapters I would just go on to LIT

charts and I would just read the summary

not to understand the symbolism mind you

I was reading the summary just to

understand what the heck happened in the

chapter like I knew there was a fight

but I couldn't remember with who there's

no dialogue attribution so basically

people just start talking but they don't

say who's saying it so you kind of have

to guess every paragraph someone is

killed or is brutally disfigured and you

don't want to root for anybody and also

there's a character called the judge

who's like 300 lb and doesn't have any

hair and he's super brutal but he's also

like the resident philosopher of the

book so sometimes he'll just say

something profound and then he'll kill

somebody there were some really poignant

moments like where I thought I kind of

get something but I would absolutely not

say I quote unquote get what K McCarthy

was trying to say and you though maybe

he wasn't trying to say anything maybe

he was just I I don't know I haven't

looked it up I would be fascinated to

take a course on this book if it was

offered and I was still at school but

I'm very glad I read it and just let it

wash over me as a piece of art I really

don't know what I got out of it yet

maybe someday I will maybe someday I'll

revisit it or reread it or I'll find a

friend who's actually read it and then

we can talk about it and unlock it a

little bit that's super fun when that

gets to happen but my time is limited

your time is limited you can't analyze

break down and research everything so

don't let that be a barrier to you

starting reading especially books that

are longer or Classics that are kind of

guaranteed to have something to say even

if you don't understand it yet you don't

have to get it see you next time in

reasons to read number seven