/lit/ - Literature

>>16104140

political aesthetics (theory) playlist is now live:

https://pykewater.com/politics/2020/8/11/political-aesthetics-theory

things like kant, schiller, burke, adorno, arendt, heidegger, etc.

Does anyone know of some good online bookclubs or reading groups? I have had trouble finding one that reads interesting things. Thanks

Looking for some advice. I am currently in my third year of trying to get a philosophy degree. Even now, when I try to read philosophy I completely miss the point. My professors all feel bad for me. I want to try for a PhD though, because school is literally all I have left and I made a deal with myself that I would an hero once I was done. I don't even know if I like philosophy, but I think I do. What is to be done? I can't talk to professors because I literally throw up before going in.

To what extent do you think people are able to grow intellectually? Do genes determine every part of how intelligent we are? I would appreciate answers/book recs on these topics and self-growth if possible. Thanks

I know OP is trolling, but god I wish I was smart. Trying to understand philosophy makes me realize what a complete brainlet I am, but I still enjoy it. I guess what I'm trying to say is enjoy your intellect boys, you are truly blessed

Is it worth it to try and read philosophy even if you are a brainlet and have failed multiple times. Seems like beating ones head against a brick wall doesn't make for much enlightenment. Where else should I go for meaning or interesting things, though. Literary advice for me please, or maybe more phjilosophical dont really care

I am nearing the end of my second year in a philosophy major and I don't feel like I've gotten any better at reading philosophy. I am a complete brainlet, but I was really hoping I could at least start to be able to learn simply by reading phil. books. So is it hopeless? Can anyone learn to read philosophy, with practice? If yes, what are some tips to get better at it. If not, recommend me a good lit book I guess.

Is it possible to stop being a brainlet? I am, frankly, an idiot and I find myself discouraged at every turn. All of my (simple to you guys) readings feel like they go over my head, and I feel like I've reached my peak intelligence, which is pretty fucking pathetic. So, is it possible to get smarter/better? If so, how?

I just finished "The Trial" and had some thoughts. While the book is referred to as a critique of bureaucracy, which it is, I was more struck by the actual conflict, and not why it came about. The feeling of being in a world one does not understand, with rules unknowable is one that really stuck out to me. I also thought that Kafka did a great job with the surrealism in the book. Too often surrealism is just absurd or over the top imo. Kafka managed to create a dreamlike feel without going overboard. The church scene, with rain and a white but confined altar really stuck out to me, as did the scenes of long hallways full of sad people really got to me. I also saw some clear ties to religious judgement, which I suppose is a fairly obvious connection. I have been looking for the seven deadly sins as committed by K. for partly shits and giggles and partly because of curiosity and have found Lust, greed, pride, envy, anger, and sloth. Any thoughts?

I am reading "The Trial", which is my second Kafka experience, after "Metamorphosis". While the beginning of 'the trial' is bizarre, it is not in my mind surreal. The further the story progresses, however, the more surreal it seems. The courtroom scene, in particular, feels quite surreal. I was wondering if this was an impression others got when reading the book, or if I am just reading sloppier and as such not understanding as much.

What are the most convincing arguments you have read/heard for continuing to exist? Looking for a little meaning in life.

I am pretty dumb. I like to read but understand almost nothing when I do. It feels like I'm mediocre or worse in every way. Is it worth it to keep reading and trying? Or am I in denial?

Hello /lit/. I have been thinking lately, and was hoping for some response to my thoughts. While I am aware this is nothing too groundbreaking, it is something that has been bothering me. So. I think that people are born with certain biological, cultural, and other limits on what they can do/learn. As such, some people are smarter or more charming than others, but nearly everyone can grow in some way. I have realized, however, that I've reached the peak of my mental ability. No matter how much I read, or how hard I try I will never get smarter or nicer or more charming, because I have reached my limit.

Perhaps it is a stupid question, but I am curious what people here think. How does/should one go about finding the "truth" about certain subjects, like climate change and whether race is only biological or not. Is the trick simply to read everything you can find on a specific subject? Or to read the highest rated or regarded book from either side of the argument? Where should one turn to discover these things?