Yes! I agree! Since you focus on classics, I'd also like to add that reading classic literature has improved my patience and helped me slow down and think for myself. Over the past couple of years I've started reading many of those books I once deemed "too difficult" and I've discovered it wasn't that their content or language was too difficult, they just required more time and space for thinking. None of the words are wasted. The slower I read, the more I find pieces of myself in every story.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

I say Mitzi, this is a fabulous comment. The classics sometimes require us to stretch our perceptive powers a tad. Of course this can make it a little harder in the short term but a joy once ones reading muscles develop. Another reason you give, that of developing patience, is a reason why I think Classics should be kept in the school curriculum. All true worth rewards require patience.😀

@Just.a.random.guy22

8 ай бұрын

I dislike most classics but I do read a lot of long and difficult books and honestly same, your comment is spot on.

I would give this video 1000 thumbs up if I could! It is a message worth sharing and worth coming back to and listen once again, even for those of us who already love reading.

One of the best book-related channels on KZread. I absolutely love classics, thank you for your insights!

My husband discovered your channel and told me about you, and I have listened to a number of your vlogs as a result. With a background in foreign language studies, I have often felt that I know less about English literature than I should, and I have tried to make up for that over recent years. I heartily concur with everything you have said. The book that sprang to mind in relation to your last point about being misled and manipulated was "Animal Farm". What a work of genius! Short, easy to read, and yet so very profound! 😲 It should be compulsory reading for every human being in every society, but particularly now in the western world, where manipulation seems to be the order of the day. Read Animal Farm, everyone!

I am (I am guessing) much older than most of you. I read the classics, at least an hour or two each day, to stave off cognitive decline. Studies have repeatedly shown that it does just that.

There are so many things I will never do in my life, but if you read, you can vicariously live all sorts of experiences, as you so well describe in point three.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

You have struck the nail on the head. A person who reads is a person who lives more than once.

As a recent bibliophile I must say, i love this channel and your enthusiasm, quite contagious my friend!

@tristanandtheclassics6538

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, Minty. I really appreciate that. 🙏

It’s great to hear a nuanced explanation of the practical benefits of increases in empathy. I used to take it to just mean “you’ll be nicer to people”, which is great and all, but not really making anyone run to the library.

Reading is brain food!

We are big fans of your channel and of anyone promoting 📚 reading. We also love that you say it promotes true empathy- without it we are on the path to loneliness and intolerance. So very very true :)

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Whatho there. Thank you for this very encouraging comment. Coming from yourselves it is all the more complimentary. I have watched some of your videos and like your approach and your setup for discussing books together. Your video on Portrait of a Lady was very diverting and made me chuckle too. On the empathy issue, I couldn't agree with you more. :)

Picasso said, "Art is a lie that makes us realize truth."

@tristanandtheclassics6538

4 ай бұрын

Great quote! Thank you. 😀

In terms of building empathy, I highly recommend reading the short stories of Anton Chekhov.

While I’ve always read quite a bit, reading fiction is relatively new for me. In the last 3 years I’ve made a deliberate effort to read fiction. 2020, while challenging in many ways, became a year of discovery. My fiction section probably tripled. I’ve noticed quite a change in the way I think and reason, and I can’t imagine not reading fiction now. I’m pleased with what I have read, and excited for the great reads and authors I haven’t read yet. Great video! Cheers! 📚😉👍

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

That's amazing Chris. At first blush, fiction can appear irrelevant, especially in this world obsessed with "facts." Yet fiction is an exploration of the soul. That immeasurable, unquantifiable, weightless something, that makes us who we are as a people and as an individual. Yours is a superb comment.😀

@bluesgirl410cg

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 We are in a world that is obsessed with facts. I’m reminded of the opening paragraph of Hard Times by Dickens. Ha. And thank you!

Love this video, Tristan. These days people don’t read as much as in the old days because their digital devices especially the handphone offer many distractions. Who reads on the bus or on the train these days, most commuters are glued to their phones. You make excellent points on the importance of reading fiction. For me, it’s akin to breathing. Why read? Well, why breathe?

david copperfield, when his loving caring fun mother moved in with a new guy, and this guy took gave david a good beating, and the mother was silent as she wanted a companion, and then he got sent to a boarding school and was basically isolated....terrible , but allows you to empathise with the woman not wanting to be alone, the changes in life when a child gets a new stepfather, the pressures on the child having a new head of house... david copperfield is great to learn empathy.

Hi Tristan, I just wanted to let you know, you're capable of bringing more people into reading with your way of convincing. I really do hope your channel gets blow up, so this earth would be a better place because of more people started reading.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

That is so kind of you Meranda. Thank you so much for such an encouraging comment. I checked out your video too. You have such a great passion in the way that you speak. I also love how you believe in hard work and making an effort in life. I salute you.

@Srilankanenglishteacher

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Wow! I just can't believe what I read. I am literally shocked right now. This is such a huge compliment, coming from someone like you, OMG I am speechless. You're so kind, I never expected this kind of response from you. Get outta here Tristan. ❤️

15:43 and these 5 minutes are great!!😊😊. I’m going to share this excerpt with my writers club. Thank you!

Thank you for this insightful exposition of the importance of reading which I consider a safety valve through which I escape reality. While reading, I can enjoy doing all I want:travelling, giving vent to my emotions, smiling, talking, etc.❤

Love your channel, Tristan. Before there was the written word people were lost in time, knowing only some of what the generation before them knew. Now, thanks to books, you can board a whaling vessel in 19th century New England. How needlessly impoverished is a life without good books.

Good points about the importance of empathy. I like the comment about seeing life through a thousand peoples eyes. I can see where someone who reads fiction can understand from a variety of perspectives. They can see the many gradations of detail in life and can see nuance much more clearly.

It's a great point . We should deffo read more especially if you want to write . The more you train your mind to read , the more you enjoy . Good points .

Excellent video 👌🏿

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you once more. Good to see you again😃👍

Thank you for doing this . You put words to show how and what meaning of life Is. It’s so true I regards to being empathetic. One develops a sensitive ability to be at one with the other. The amazing result is how very much one feels satisfied! One’s intuitive faculty is sharpened,and the skill grows as the ear becomes a tuned into a higher understanding of what the brain becomes able to do for another and at the same time heal one’s own deep hurts,buried in the skull. Yes indeed you have spelled out what has long gone missing! To read,to enjoy the time with a book is why it’s a necessity,not a waste of time. An antidote for those whose shouts can be touched with grace. And wars would cease to be for conflict can be resolved and peace will be king in all hearts which are in tune forever and forever more. I do believe that you Mr.Books have discovered the malaise that haunts us, For the Love of War will perish as it dies in pages of books that ring of classics which are the keys left to unlock the mysteries that need to leap out of yes like you said In Words,that’s the Power that we await,that’s the Christ like message! Wow!

@Beesmakelifegoo

6 ай бұрын

Excuse my errors, In regards to be an empathetic listener..

Thank you for reminding me why I love reading, I have always thought that my best friends were my books.

New favorite KZread channel. Shared this video on my blog. Your videos, especially this one I just watched, are such a welcomed breath of fresh air.

Readers, what are your opinions on having multiple books going at the same time vs concentrating on each one sequentially, which method has helped you remember and enjoy the most, do you find having multiple books 'on the go' causes too much context switching and causes less retention?

@jennyaldridge4186

7 ай бұрын

Until this year I have only ever read one book at a time. However, since joining a couple of book clubs I now have around 4 or 5 books on the go at any one time. I find taking a couple of weeks to read a book helps me to assimilate it better and to reflect on passages and themes in more detail than if I had devoured the book in a couple of days. I have to be strict with myself as some books are hard to put down. I try to read books from different genres so I don’t confuse the characters. At the moment I’m reading Jane Ayre, Paradise Lost, Moby Dick and We need to talk about Kevin. I’m also reading one Shakespeare play a week. Have you tried reading multiple books yet? It did take me a few weeks to adjust.

This video should be required for all K-12 students. I've always enjoyed reading fiction, and knew it was beneficial, but could not put it into words. Now I can. 😊

"Try to learn to read, Baldrick, reading is so important. "I think reading is so important, my lord."

@Selina-yc5lr

2 ай бұрын

I didnt expect this but it was a pleasant surprise

Hello Tristan. I’ve just come across your channel and loved this post. I’ve listened to many talks on how to read classic literature but your summary of the benefits would have convinced me to pick up a classic book if I hadn’t already made it my goal to read more classic literature this year. I am hoping to improve all the skills you refer to as well as stave off cognitive decline (yes, I’m the age that starts to become a worry). I’m also thoroughly enjoying the challenge and finding great pleasure in learning to appreciate the writing of master wordsmiths. I am looking forward to watching to more of your videos. Thank you.

Fantastic and inspiring insights! I already couldn't imagine my life without great art, but it's wonderful to be reconvinced.

I like to have a fictional and non-fiction book going at the same time. Enjoyed the video Tristan .

@jmsl910

Жыл бұрын

me too! and i usually have a YA & NA going at the same time too!

TRISTAN HELLO! Your three basic reasons are very good: why is it good to read fiction or novels? We can generally know the reasons, but your specific and very elaborate version has allowed me to remember the value and support that the practice of reading literary works gave me. Thank you for your suggestion and reminder given in your video. 😎

Hello! I'm from Brazil and I'm delighted that KZread has suggested your channel to me. I've been searching for this type of content for a while now. I'm attempting to help my children understand the importance of literature and become more interested in it. I share everything I learn from you with them. Thank you so much for your work!

I love this channel!!! This is maybe the 3rd or 4th video from here I've seen and I love it!

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Ashley! That's jolly decent of you to say. I hope that you win the lottery, or something equally exciting.😀

You are spot on with the loss of empathy and loneliness.

Dear Tristan You are really a knowledgeable, learned and wonderful professor. It is really generous that plenty of great expertise you have shared with us, which is extremely helpful. You are really good at illustrating your experienced and insightful views, truly contributing a lot to the world. Acquired a lot marvelous and rather indiscernible knowledge from you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Salute.

Excellent breakdown of the benefits of reading good fiction! Thank you!

Wonderful video ...great insights .... thank you for this 💕 will share your channel link with my students, friends and family.... 💕

I just stumbled across your channel today, and I have been most impressed. This was a thoughtful, excellent video. I look forward to watching more!

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

I really love the frog story!! 🐸 thank you for sharing

I am listening to you 3 years after you did it. It is very interesting and important.🙏 I am now one of your ardent followers. I always read a lot in French, Spanish and now English and read with you every month on Patreon. You are indeed expanding my horizon.👌❤️

Dear Tristan, I find it amazing how you captured my attention and were able to broaden my horizon on the importance of reading books and would like to add, that reading books can bring us in touch with our deepest sense of being and raise our awareness and understanding of what it means to be human. J.R.R Tolkien sure does that for me. Thank you so much for sharing your magnificence!!! 🙋🏻‍♀️🥰

great video!! i love reading books so much! looking forward for more classics videos

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rumman. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. And I look forward to your opinions on the classics.😀

I love your videos! This one is my favorite so far! Such valuable points! I have passed it along to my 16-year-old grandson who keeps telling me he hates to read. I challenged him to listen to it all the way through.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Ай бұрын

I'm pleased you enjoyed it. My video this Friday will be about How To Enjoy Reading. Hope that might prove useful. 😀

@karenib1669

Ай бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thank you!!

Respect!🙏 Sir! And God bless you!✌👍🖖💖🤞🙏🦢

I am really excited by this video. I think it is superb. I certainly will recommend it to my family and friends.

Honestly, every point you make is a tick✅✅✅😄👍😄

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Be sure to tell me when there is a cross❎😅

Loved this video. You are so right especially on empathy. Reading makes us pondering on important things. For instance, I am currently a book about WWII "Sisters of War" and one of the characters had to make a hard decision, of course as a reader I knew the right thing to do but she chose to do the wrong one. But on thinking about her choose I could condemn her, because I kept putting myself in her shoes and what if I had to make that choose, which one I'll make. Reading can make us less judgemental. Thanks for this video. P. S Sorry for my bad English as you have figured out English is not my first language.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Charmaine, you make this point beautifully. I love how you disagreed with the character but did so with recognition and humility. This is one of the great arts of reading and living. A quality becoming rarer these days. Your English is excellent by the way.😀

@charmainesaliba5546

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thanks Tristan ☺️

New subscriber! I really loved this video. Resonated with me greatly. I do have a few questions though…could you briefly expand on what is “good fiction”? Is is only classics? Or can it be across all different genres and and all different time periods(when it was written)? Thank you!

Thanks for the motivation to read. This video would be better without the tv behind you. It’s diminishes you because the background reduces your pop

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

You are right Gil. This was an earlier video of mine. I don't have the TV anymore.

It is one of the best videos I’ve watched in recent years. Thank you!

Especially it's great to read fantasy series. Because author isn't restricted by this ugly "social-realism" and able to discuss far more big and abstract topics. We should actively fight against those prejudices because there was times when fiction was treated the sane as fantasy nowdays. Thank you for the video - very inspiring! And sorry for my highly likely illiterate comment, English isn't my first.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

That's a really good point. Fantasy is treated as if it is automatic a popular genre only, as if it cannot be 'real literature. ' Lord of the Rings proves that idea wrong.

@bxp_bass

Жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 also, George Martin, Ursula Le Guin, Guy Gavriel Kay, literally hundreds of great authors

Pure GOLD! Thank you for this video Tristan.

You make some good points. I like your frog story.

Love this message. Thank you.

So well explained! Thank you 🙌

I've been following your channel for a month or so now and just found this older video of yours. I really appreciate the insight you shared in this particular video. I look forward to viewing more great content from you in the future. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Love your videos. Very informative , and relaxing 😊

Powerful watched again

@tristanandtheclassics6538

11 ай бұрын

Thank you, Davey. Pleased you enjoyed it ☺️

This is definitely one of your BEST videos. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

I totally agree!! Thank you for this video, i loved the message and the way you delivered it. It totally made me appreciate more reading even though i already love it

I am binging your videos! Great perspectives on the virtue of reading!

Incredible advice here!

Oh Captain, I have to say that this was a fantastic video. I could not agree with you more on the Empathy point. I wholeheartedly agree that reading good fiction gives you more empathy because you go along with the characters and experiene life with them. You see what other's have gone through and a lot of times its so different from your own life. The one thing I would add is imagination. Reading gives our brain a much needed workout to imagine what we read. This is so vital and both kids and adults need this these days more than ever. I hope you and your family are well my friend. We are all doing well here. Keep up the good work. I'm sharing these great videos.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Mandy, great to hear from you again. Thanks for your positivity and encouragement as always. You are spot on with the imagination comment. That should definitely have been in the video. Imagination is a critical part of life's enjoyment and personal development. Top observation.😀❤

i am very lucky to get recommended this video. thank you a ton sir ill be sharing this video to nephews and friends and loved ones! ❤❤

Brief Synopsis of the video: 1.) A claim that reading will increase one's "empathy" and a claim that this is a good thing. 2.) A claim that one's powers of rhetoric will increase. Further, one's practical effectiveness in the world will increase because the power of one's speech will improve and affect others. The ability to express the thoughts and perspectives you have will increase. Apart from effectiveness, you will simply be more likable too. 3.) A claim that GOOD FICTION will provide one with enough scope of mind to keep oneself from being easily mislead and permit one to be able to make likely predictions of situations and individuals. (Question: How? Answer: Good fiction is BASED on reality.)

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

Very tidily put😀👍

@ClearOutSamskaras

Жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I wanted to be true to my promise of a "brief" synopsis. :) But, I also wanted to exercise deliberate economy of words and get to the core of your three claims. I'm glad you agree that I did that. Please don't think that my exercise in brevity indicates opposition to the length of your video though. I quite enjoyed the video, also it is providing me with good food for thought AND *_action!_* (I made some minor changes to my original comment for better clarity.)

@tristanandtheclassics6538

Жыл бұрын

@@ClearOutSamskaras I wasn't offended in the slightest. You nailed it 👏

Excellent content. I am saving this to share with my family and friends. Thank you Tristan.

fabulous & top-notch video

Awesome vid. Plus loved the way you not only talked the talk but shared your writing and walked the talk. It was great learning from You. Also great writing !❤

Thank you for this.

So well said, I’ve shared with my daughters!

How else would I learn insults like “You trashy Prussian hen's leg in a crinoline" 😂 Can you guess who says this?

Tristan I'm waiting for your new uploads 🙂

Absolutely spot on with this.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ash. 😊

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Thank you!

@tristanandtheclassics6538

2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.😀

Hello 😊 Love your channel Tristan. Can you give us a rundown on books vs audiobooks?

I love this!!

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Grace. Thanks ever so much for being so kind as to comment. And for being so positive too. I hope you find a gold bar in your back yard.😃❤🎩

Fax, every time someone tells me they don’t like reading books I’m just like, what how is that even possible. Like that’s not something you should say lol

Thank big fan of you channel !

@tristanandtheclassics6538

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kemuel. Appreciate your support.

Good video as always. Hey Tristan, how do you fare the importance of reading fiction against the importance of reading non-fiction? Do you read non-fiction?

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks everso much for the positivity. As for the fiction/non-fiction, that's a good question. Do you think it would make a good video topic? I do read non fiction. There is an unhealthy trend developed though, in my lowly opinion, that has led many to read ONLY non fiction. This is not a good thing as far as I can tell. Its primarily the failure of the educational construct though that is at fault for not teaching kids the reasons why novels are so important to us. To answer your question though: in my opinion non fiction is knowledge specific and essential to develop expertise, drill down to specific theoretical notions. Fiction, has the essence of what makes us human. Through it, we learn how to be. We can test theories far better through story. Its like trying to define what a flirt is. Hard to a describe accurately, but easy to point out a flirt in action. Anyway, I'm waffling now.😂 What is your opinion? 🤔🎩

@richardwieler6377

3 жыл бұрын

Good fiction reading requires sustained focus and discipline. Plot and character development as found in Dickens works intimidate many readers today.

@podrissimo9814

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Absolutely think it's a good topic for a video, yes. I think fiction and non-fiction can complement each other very well and one helps appreciating the value of the other. It's something similar to the way Science and Philosophy complement each other. I try to read 50/50. Keep up the good work, Tristan!

Excellent video

New subscriber here. Solid content!

04:20 reason #1 11:54 reason #2 19:14 reason #3 25:04 conclusion

personally i still think biographies and true stories are better for empathy and knowledge....as the stories are about what actually happened from a certain persons perspective, whether it was some guy caught with 5 kilos of cocaine strapped to his waist in turkey, or hitlers rise to power and all the things that influenced and enabled this to happen... i find fiction is best for bringing forth some creative angles and ideas, with some potential morals eg ray bradburys the martian chronicles, or dystopian literature like 1984, or even tales from the thousand and one nights... the real strength of fiction is that it enables you yourself to create an imaginary world, to paint a picture and if anything it can spur on your own scope, or creativity.... it stretches your world of possibility.

I have problem with understanding what i read difficult books like "das capital".what should i do when reading difficult books. I do read slow ....

Really enjoyed this case for reading 👏. Now wondering if case is the right word🤔 - trying to evidence my expanding vocabulary may need some work

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 жыл бұрын

Hello there Katja. Thank you ever so much for taking the time to comment. I genuinely appreciate it. I am pleased that you enjoyed my chattering on. As for the vocabulary; "Case" is the perfect word in my opinion. :) Do you have any favourite books or genres?

@PageTurnersWithKatja

3 жыл бұрын

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Vanity Fair, North and South, A Suitable Boy, The Joy Luck Club, The Graceling Series and The Mistborn Trilogy are in my top 10 😁

Great work. You may be interested in discussing Elizabeth Paradiso Urassa's books. They are very good, mostly for university students and teachers working together. They may also help families and their loved ones to acquire vital skills that help them complete their studies successfully and timely. I appreciate what you are doing. Thank you very much for listening.

Empathy vocabulary and explaining Mislead less Know more of the world

If life begins to be a moldy piece of shit, diving in the good books can save lives.

Name some fiction books that I could read. I am beginner.

Do you write poetry? I have a poetry podcast.

Unfortunately, being empathetic doesn't mean that other people understand you. Empaths can be lonely. But they make good writers.

Hullo Tristan I love your video's I have just finished the sorrows of werther after your run down on a previous video. I'm about to read the city of ladies.i wanted to ask do you use the word conversate it was used in a run down video of the city of ladies. I without checking my dictionary left a comment saying the word is converse there is no such word as conversate. I' had to apologise as I'm wrong but I don't like the word.

It’s a bit ironic that you are talking about the importance of reading for a fuller life while standing in front of a television.

@tristanandtheclassics6538

3 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 I didn't even think of it. Mind you, I'm not someone that believes books and TV are an either/or dichotomy. Much book reading is, like TV, purely for entertainment. Though I do believe it stretches me more.