I found myself agreeing with pretty much everything you said here. "I sometimes think that the point of life is witnessing" - this in particular is a conviction I definitely share, maybe it's partly a temperamental thing too, but it feels so core to my aim as a writer and where most of my joy in living comes from.
Also, totally agreed on the brilliance of Orlando, and on Virginia Woolf in general. She's without a doubt one of my favourite ever writers of English prose. Have you read The Waves? It's so, so beautiful.
I keep writing these breathy, gushy comments here and on Hinternet articles, which is a little embarrassing, but I'm just genuinely moved and challenged and given room to be creative when I read your articles. I feel the same about socialism, kindness, toothless leftism, good art, bad art, naval-gazing, platform-building, sincerity, and the Work. Glad you're not leaving yet.
This has given me so much to think about! I particularly like your reframing of politicization of literature — we can think of appreciation and reverence without hot takes as more than simply a dog whistle. Also — thanks for your effusive description of socialism.
Politics will always be divisive because it thrives on narratives that elevate one side while diminishing the other. But innovation and human potential exist beyond these power struggles. If we can inspire people to value the pursuit of our higher truth over political ambition, we can rise above division and achieve remarkable progress as a society.
I hate it here too. It's addicting but feels so meaningless and miserable. Thanks for putting it in so many words. I didn't even know people thought of the Met as a right wing rag lmao what? Some of the people there are a bit too precious for my taste, but right wing, come on. Ross Barkan is a god damned socialist isn't he?
i read through this once and then again because it is so rich and expansive — thank you for the honest writing. some of these themes, especially around the moral surveillance and emptiness of progressive finger-wagging and criticism (and criticism of criticism), are top of my mind for me at the moment, and i'm considering tackling them in a new essay. you gave me a lot to think about, both on those issues specifically and in general as i approach publishing and engaging with and within the substack ecosystem.
This has already provoked a debate after posting it to FB . . . where I spend little time now (to preserve what little sanity I have left). A great piece--even if we're in Substack's hall of mirrors.
Rare to read a post where I see my own feelings articulated so clearly and well.
Hey glad to hear it mate. Big fan of your Lockwood essay.
I found myself agreeing with pretty much everything you said here. "I sometimes think that the point of life is witnessing" - this in particular is a conviction I definitely share, maybe it's partly a temperamental thing too, but it feels so core to my aim as a writer and where most of my joy in living comes from.
Also, totally agreed on the brilliance of Orlando, and on Virginia Woolf in general. She's without a doubt one of my favourite ever writers of English prose. Have you read The Waves? It's so, so beautiful.
The Waves is one of the next of hers I want to read! Good rec.
Another Chateaubriand conservative! (The best kind, honestly.)
I guess the response is to write more and chatter less.
One of many reasons Justin and I get on so well!
And amen.
I look forward to the unclassifiables you will write. (I think here and there about how mystifying your Joycean-origin poem was.)
Low-key my favorite thing I’ve written here but that shit just won’t fly with most haha. I’m gonna get there though. Thanks Kevin.
I keep writing these breathy, gushy comments here and on Hinternet articles, which is a little embarrassing, but I'm just genuinely moved and challenged and given room to be creative when I read your articles. I feel the same about socialism, kindness, toothless leftism, good art, bad art, naval-gazing, platform-building, sincerity, and the Work. Glad you're not leaving yet.
Not embarrassing but welcome! Thanks Daniela :)
Thanks for this.
This has given me so much to think about! I particularly like your reframing of politicization of literature — we can think of appreciation and reverence without hot takes as more than simply a dog whistle. Also — thanks for your effusive description of socialism.
Thank you!
Politics will always be divisive because it thrives on narratives that elevate one side while diminishing the other. But innovation and human potential exist beyond these power struggles. If we can inspire people to value the pursuit of our higher truth over political ambition, we can rise above division and achieve remarkable progress as a society.
I hate it here too. It's addicting but feels so meaningless and miserable. Thanks for putting it in so many words. I didn't even know people thought of the Met as a right wing rag lmao what? Some of the people there are a bit too precious for my taste, but right wing, come on. Ross Barkan is a god damned socialist isn't he?
I’ll let Ross answer that. But thanks Louis.
I don’t think it’s a secret. And you’re welcome.
i read through this once and then again because it is so rich and expansive — thank you for the honest writing. some of these themes, especially around the moral surveillance and emptiness of progressive finger-wagging and criticism (and criticism of criticism), are top of my mind for me at the moment, and i'm considering tackling them in a new essay. you gave me a lot to think about, both on those issues specifically and in general as i approach publishing and engaging with and within the substack ecosystem.
Thanks! Really glad to hear it. Truly.
I feel seen.
Glad to hear Stan my man
This has already provoked a debate after posting it to FB . . . where I spend little time now (to preserve what little sanity I have left). A great piece--even if we're in Substack's hall of mirrors.