Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. It pushes us to treat busyness as a proxy for useful effort, leading to impossibly lengthy task lists and ceaseless meetings. We’re overwhelmed by all we have to do and on the edge of burnout, left to decide between giving into soul-sapping hustle culture or rejecting ambition altogether. But are these really our only choices?
Long before the arrival of pinging inboxes and clogged schedules, history’s most creative and impactful philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers mastered the art of producing valuable work with staying power.
In this timely and provocative book, Cal Newport harnesses the wisdom of these traditional knowledge workers to radically transform our modern jobs.
Drawing from deep research on the habits and mindsets of a varied cast of storied thinkers – from Galileo and Isaac Newton, to Jane Austen and Georgia O’Keefe – Newport lays out the key principles of “slow productivity,” a more sustainable alternative to the aimless overwhelm that defines our current moment. Combining cultural criticism with systematic pragmatism, Newport deconstructs the absurdities inherent in standard notions of productivity, and then provides step-by-step advice for cultivating a slower, more humane alternative.
From the aggressive rethinking of workload management, to introducing seasonal variation, to shifting your performance toward long-term quality, Slow Productivityprovides a roadmap for escaping overload and arriving instead at a more timeless approach to pursuing meaningful accomplishment. The world of work is due for a new revolution. Slow productivity is exactly what we need.
Newport’s initial research evolved into the central theme explored in his book: that the problem faced by knowledge workers may not lie in productivity per se, but rather in a flawed definition of productivity that has become prevalent in recent decades.
The overwhelming burden we experience stems from the belief that “good” work demands increasing busyness – swift responses to emails and chats, more meetings, tasks, and hours. However, upon closer examination, this premise lacks a solid foundation. It led him to consider that alternative productivity approaches could be equally valid, such as prioritizing intentionality over constant activity.
It became evident that the practices of traditional knowledge workers (the writer John McPhee is Newport’s ongoing example) were not only inspiring but could, with adjustments for contemporary job realities, offer valuable insights into reshaping our understanding of professional achievement in the modern era.
These insights prompted a reevaluation of how we approach work, culminating in an alternative to the prevailing norms of exhaustion:
Slow Productivity
A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner, based on the following three principles:
This philosophy rejects busyness, viewing overload as a hindrance to meaningful results rather than a badge of honor. It advocates for a more balanced and humane pace, emphasizing quality over performative busyness.
In the latter part of the book, Newport elaborates on the core principles of this philosophy, providing both theoretical justification and practical advice for implementing them in various professional contexts.
Newport’s aim is not merely to offer tips for alleviating job exhaustion or to vent frustrations about exploitative work cultures, though he addresses these issues. Instead, he proposes a new paradigm for individuals and organizations to rethink productivity and accomplishment, aiming to rescue knowledge work from unsustainable freneticism and foster a more sustainable approach.
While not every workplace may immediately embrace this intentional rhythm, Newport argues that it is more universally applicable than commonly assumed. He seeks to demonstrate that achieving without burnout is not only achievable but should be the standard.
To embark on this journey, Newport encourages readers to first understand how the knowledge sector arrived at its current dysfunctional relationship with productivity. By grasping the haphazardness of its formation, rejecting the status quo becomes more feasible.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Let’s face it: Recent years have been tough on optimists.
Hopes that the Internet might bring people together have been crushed by the ills of social media. Is there a way back?
As head of TED, Chris Anderson has had a ringside view of the world’s boldest thinkers sharing their most uplifting ideas. Inspired by them, he believes that it’s within our grasp to turn outrage back into optimism. It all comes down to reimagining one of the most fundamental human virtues: generosity.
What if generosity could become infectious generosity? Consider:
• how a London barber began offering haircuts to people experiencing homelessness—and catalyzed a movement
• how two anonymous donors gave $10,000 each to two hundred strangers and discovered that most recipients wanted to “pay it forward” with their own generous acts
• how TED itself transformed from a niche annual summit into a global beacon of ideas by giving away talks online, allowing millions access to free learning
In telling these inspiring stories in his book Infectious Generosity, Anderson has given us “the first page-turner ever written about human generosity” (Elizabeth Dunn). More important, he offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts – whether gifts of money, time, talent, connection, or kindness – and to prime them, thanks to the Internet, to have self-replicating, even world-changing, impact.
Imagine if we cracked the code on making generosity contagious. It could shift the balance away from the rising divisions in our world, ushering in a fresh era of optimism.
Generosity? Seriously?!
It’s an unusual concept, no doubt. Maybe even a bit outdated. At first glance, it might seem too gentle to confront the formidable challenges we’re up against. You, as an individual, could be as generous as you want, but can your well-meaning gestures and sacrifices really make a difference?
Yet, therein lies the crux. They can. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, has the potential for extraordinary impact if it can spread from isolated incidents to becoming infectious. By tweaking their form just a bit, acts of generosity can become immensely powerful. Infectious Generosityis dedicated to unveiling how.
The infectious potential of generosity stems from two main factors: human nature and the interconnectedness of our modern world. In the book, Anderson delves into how overlooked qualities innate to every human can combine to set off cascades of generous behavior. Moreover, he explains how these ripple effects can be amplified by the Internet for monumental, world-changing effects.
The Internet is renowned for facilitating various contagions, from social media trends to viral marketing. Similar to a virus, humans serve as carriers for the Internet’s contagiousness. Instead of replicating in our respiratory systems, ideas and visuals spark in our minds, prompting us to hit “Like” or “Share.”
Regrettably, many of the contagions proliferating online are harmful.
Driven by advertisement-based revenue models that aim to keep users glued to their screens, social media platforms have morphed the web into a machine for generating outrage. Instead of showcasing the best in each other, we often encounter the worst, driving us further apart.
This book revolves around two intertwined themes: The Internet can supercharge generosity, and Generosity can revolutionize the Internet. Each theme fuels the other. If we view the Internet as a daunting, impersonal realm teeming with strangers poised to judge and exploit us, it becomes challenging to trust it with our altruistic intentions. However, without individuals endeavoring to engage with others online in a spirit of generosity, the Internet cannot fulfill its potential as a force for good. It’s tempting to dismiss the Internet as a cesspool of toxicity. What we urgently need is to initiate an upward spiral wherein the growing visibility of a more generous humanity inspires individuals to contribute to the greater good.
Anderson feels a pressing sense of urgency about this because we are witnessing the early stages of our world being reshaped by artificial intelligence.
And guess what fuels the power of AI? The Internet. Essentially, the most potent AI systems are designed to process the vast expanse of human online activity and formulate predictive models. Do we want to rely on AI trained with today’s Internet? Absolutely not. It poses the risk of amplifying many dangers. If we can steer the Internet toward a kinder, more generous, and more positive direction, it could have an immeasurable impact on our future, both directly and by providing a healthier basis for AI.
It might seem far-fetched to envision us, imperfect humans, overcoming the Internet’s issues: polarization, misinformation, data surveillance, addiction, social media-induced insecurity, and more. Anderson understands that skepticism, but encourages the reader to withhold judgment, at least temporarily. Beneath the surface, remarkable developments are underway.
Part 1 delves into why the time is ripe for infectious generosity. Anderson recounts the extraordinary events at TED that convinced him of the Internet’s profound impact on generosity, along with three fundamental principles derived from those events. Subsequently, he delves into newfound insights into human nature and how the call of generosity can yield surprising outcomes and deep happiness. Anderson also unveils the inner workings of the “Mystery Experiment,” the largest social science study to date demonstrating how kindness begets kindness.
Part 2 explores how to translate this theory into action. Anderson examines what it entails to cultivate a generous mindset, the various forms of giving that can snowball into something greater, and how we can share stories of generosity with one another. An essential chapter focuses on financial giving, including strategies to leverage resources to significantly magnify the impact of our contributions.
Part 3 contemplates what would happen if generosity were more deeply ingrained in our world. Anderson envisions reclaiming the Internet to fulfill the dream many people once held: aiding humanity in being both humane and kind. He examines how companies and organizations might be reshaped by generosity and ponders ways to empower our most influential change makers to embark on ambitious plans for transformation. He also explores the case for a global pledge that could unite us all on a journey of generosity. The section closes with a reflection on how we might instill a mindset of generosity in our future selves.
Wherever you are and whoever you may be, Anderson invites you to join him on this journey. There’s a good chance you’ll be touched by something profound, something capable of influencing how you allocate your future time, resources, and creativity. And this something might just end up inspiring others.
But this is a positive infection. A beautiful, hopeful, positive infection.
You may find yourself hoping you never recover.
Every human has the potential to give. The urge to do this is built deep inside each of us, and can be stirred just by our being open to the needs of others. When we share our time, our money, or our creativity, those acts can spark responses in kind. So, once it gets started, generosity can spread like wildfire. As it passes from one person to the next, many lives can be touched. And our collective witnessing of what humans are capable of can overcome today’s prevailing cynicism, bringing people together in common causes. And for you personally, this is all about that most elusive, inspiring, and beautiful thing: the quest for meaning. We were born to be connected. So give in any way that you feel able. Give creatively. Give courageously. Give collaboratively. And let the magic of generosity ripple out into the universe. If you do that, don’t be surprised if one day you wake up and hear a whisper from inside: “I have never felt so happy.”
Chris Anderson, Infectious Generosity
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Despite how it may feel, competition for the spiritual attention and Sunday attendance of today’s family is not with the growing church down the road. Church leadership must redirect energy from being “bigger and better” than other churches, and instead see those places that provide “WOW! Experiences” as the real points of comparison among first time guests.
While that may seem impossible to achieve, this present reality can also be turned into a positive. Churches must start LEARNING from those top-notch places and their leaders.
Eating out at one-of-a-kind experiences has never been more popular or accessible. Celebrity chefs and buzz-creating restaurants are literally popping up in cities across the country, large and small. In the world of hospitality, the culinary segment has unique applications to the Guest Experience ministries of a church. The dining experience at a four-star restaurant provides excellent lessons for welcoming ministries in your church.
With input from one son who began making pizzas in high school working his way up to general manager and regional trainer of a national fast casual franchise location and another with a culinary and food service degree who is now an events planner at a university, today’s post explores what leaders can learn from the food industry.
The first organizational book inspired by the culinary world, taking mise-en-place outside the kitchen.
Every day, chefs across the globe churn out enormous amounts of high-quality work with efficiency using a system called mise-en-place―a French culinary term that means “putting in place” and signifies an entire lifestyle of readiness and engagement. In “Work Clean,” Dan Charnas reveals how to apply mise-en-place outside the kitchen, in any kind of work.
Culled from dozens of interviews with culinary professionals and executives, including world-renowned chefs like Thomas Keller and Alfred Portale, this essential guide offers a simple system to focus your actions and accomplish your work. Charnas spells out the 10 major principles of mise-en-place for chefs and non chefs alike: (1) planning is prime; (2) arranging spaces and perfecting movements; (3) cleaning as you go; (4) making first moves; (5) finishing actions; (6) slowing down to speed up; (7) call and callback; (8) open ears and eyes; (9) inspect and correct; (10) total utilization.
This journey into the world of chefs and cooks shows you how each principle works in the kitchen, office, home, and virtually any other setting.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
Every day, chefs across the globe put out enormous amounts of high quality work with efficiency using a system called mise-en-place – a French culinary term that means “putting in place” and signifies an entire lifestyle of readiness and engagement.
For the culinary student, it is usually the beginning point of their career. But it is a beginning point that is repeated every day of their career – it’s the first thing they will do at the start of each day’s work.
Mise-en-place means far more than simply assembling all the ingredients, pots and pans, plates, and serving pieces needed for a particular period. Mise-en-place is also a state of mind. Someone who has truly grasped the concept is able to keep many tasks in mind simultaneously, weighing and assigning each its proper value and priority. This assures that the chef has anticipated and prepared for every situation that could logically occur during a service period.
Mise-en-place as a simple guide to focusing your actions and accomplishing your work is a necessary first step on the way to an exceptional guest experience.
Mise-en-place comprises three central values: preparation, process, and presence. When practiced by great chefs, these three mundane words become profound. The byproduct of these values may be wealth or productivity, but the true goal is excellence.
Preparation Chefs commit to a life where preparation is central, not an add-on or an afterthought. To become a chef is to accept the fact that you will always have to think ahead, and to be a chef means that thinking and preparation are as integral to the job as cooking. For the chef, cooking comes second. Cooking can’t happen without prep coming first. Embracing preparation also means jettisoning the notion that prep work is somehow menial, beneath us. Your preparation – and its intellectual cousin, planning – thus becomes a kind of spiritual practice: humble, tireless, and nonnegotiable.
Process Preparation and planning along are not enough to create excellence. Chefs must also execute that prepared plan in an excellent way. S they ensure excellent execution by tenacious pursuit of the bet process to do just about everything. A commitment to process doesn’t mean following tedious procedures and guidelines for their own sake. It’s not about turning humans into hyper-efficient robots. Process is, quite the contrary, about becoming a high-functioning human being and being happier for it. Excellence arises from refining good process – how can I do this better or easier, or with less waste? It’s a job, like preparation, that never ends.
Presence Chefs commit to being present in ways from the mundane to the sublime. After months and years of repeated prep and process, the cook acquires a deeper kind of presence – becoming one with the work, and the work becoming kind of meditation. “Kitchen awareness” demands that one not only be “with” the work, but also “with” your comrades and their work at the same time. This kind of awareness isn’t scatteredness. It is, quite the contrary, something closer to what the Eastern traditions call mindfulness. Presence in all its forms – getting there, staying there, being focused, being open, and cultivating boundaries – helps us adjust our preparation and process as the circumstances shift around us.
The three values listed above – preparation, process, and presence– aren’t ideals to admire and applaud. They must be practiced – and can be, by anyone, anywhere.
To apply the values listed above to your hospitality ministry, begin by creating three chart tablets, writing the values above, one word per page.
Read the descriptions listed for each value.
In a discussion with your team, walk through your Guest Experience from beginning to end, and list each action on the appropriate page. If it fits on more than one page, put it on the page it makes most sense, or is strongest.
Review the lists with your team.
What’s missing? Write it in, and assign it to a leader, along with a timeline, for development.
What needs to be made stronger? Write it in, and assign it to a leader, along with a timeline, for strengthening.
What’s unnecessary? Remove it from the list, and your regular activities.
Here’s a view of my “books about books” bookshelf:
You are probably getting the picture that books and reading are not just pastimes for me – they are my passion.
Today’s post is about a book that beautifully captures the passion of reading.
We read to escape, to learn, to find love, to feel seen. We read to encounter new worlds, to discover new recipes, to find connection across difference, or simply to pass a rainy afternoon. No matter the reason, books have the power to keep us safe, to challenge us, and perhaps most importantly, to make us more fully human.
Shannon Reed, a longtime teacher, lifelong reader, and New Yorker contributor, gets it. With one simple goal in mind, she makes the case that we should read for pleasure above all else.
In this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud-funny collection entitled Why We Read, Reed shares surprising stories from her life as a reader and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students. From the varied novels she cherishes (Gone Girl, Their Eyes Were Watching God) to the ones she didn’t (Tess of the d’Urbervilles), Reed takes us on a rollicking tour through the comforting world of literature, celebrating the books we love, the readers who love them, and the ways in which literature can transform us for the better.
Listen to Reed’s passion for reading:
I have never lost my affection for and dependency on books. This is where I pull away from the pack of fellow bookworms, I sense. Much as I like videos and reels and whatever new thing has been invented by the time this goes to print, I’m always reaching back to the OG form, the book, looking for what I can read to help me understand.
Reading a book is quiet, clear, and organized. It’s not hard.
It waits until I am ready, pauses when I need a break, and is still happy to repeat. Reading absolutely never says “Just forget it” when I need clarification. It doesn’t care how I pronounce the words in my head (or aloud, for that matter). It never makes me feel worse and rarely makes me feel lonely.
Reading gives me the world.
And that, friends, is why I read.
If you are fortunate to be inspired to buy and read Shannon’s book, you will enjoy the closing chapter as she pays homage to the amazing literary journey she is on. I won’t spoil your reading pleasure by quoting any of it – except the last two sentences:
Without ever really experiencing any of it, I know it all.
Because books taught me.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Almost everything we do involves words. Words are how we persuade, communicate, and connect. They’re how leaders lead, salespeople sell, and parents parent. They’re how teachers teach, policymakers govern, and doctors explain. Even our private thoughts rely on language.
But certain words are more impactful than others. They’re better at changing minds, engaging audiences, and driving action. What are these magic words, and how can we take advantage of their power?
In Magic Words, internationally bestselling author Jonah Berger gives you an inside look at the new science of language and how you can use it. Technological advances in machine learning, computational linguistics, and natural language processing, combined with the digitization of everything from cover letters to conversations, have yielded unprecedented insights.
Learn how salespeople convince clients, lawyers persuade juries, and storytellers captivate audiences; how teachers get kids to help and service representatives increase customer satisfaction; how startup founders secure funding, musicians make hits, and psychologists identified a Shakespearean manuscript without ever reading a play.
This book is designed for anyone who wants to increase their impact. It provides a powerful toolkit and actionable techniques that can lead to extraordinary results. Whether you’re trying to persuade a client, motivate a team, or get a whole organization to see things differently, this book will show you how to leverage the power of magic words.
Magic Words, authored by Jonah Berger, delves into the concealed mechanisms governing language and, more significantly, delineates strategies for employing it more persuasively, nurturing relationships, and achieving success in both personal and professional realms.
The book explores six categories of influential words, devoting a chapter to each of these areas:
Activating Identity and Agency: Words that delineate authority, responsibility, and engagement in actions. This chapter delves into the profound impact subtle alterations in language can have, such as the efficacy of using nouns over verbs in persuasion, mastering the art of refusing to advance towards goals, and adopting specific interrogative phrases to enhance creativity and problem-solving. Furthermore, it discusses how speaking in the third person can mitigate anxiety and enhance communication, along with the nuanced effects of pronouns like “you” on social interactions and empathy.
Conveying Confidence: Language not only communicates information but also conveys the speaker’s confidence, thereby influencing perceptions and sway. This chapter explores how eliminating certain words transformed an underperforming salesperson into a top achiever, the significance of linguistic style in legal discourse, and linguistic cues that enhance credibility and authority. It also delves into the allure of certainty and the strategic use of uncertainty in communication to foster trust and receptivity.
Asking the Right Questions: This chapter delves into the science behind effective questioning, revealing why seeking advice enhances perceived intelligence and increases the likelihood of securing subsequent dates. It elucidates the types and timing of questions for optimal outcomes, strategies for deflecting challenging inquiries, and techniques for fostering deeper social connections through inquiry.
Leveraging Concreteness: Highlighting the potency of concrete language, this chapter reveals how specific words convey attentive listening and why emphasizing “fixing” rather than “solving” problems enhances customer satisfaction. It explores instances where abstract language may be advantageous, signaling authority and leadership, and discusses its role in fundraising for startups.
Employing Emotion: Exploring the emotive dimension of language, this chapter unveils how emotional language enhances engagement across various contexts. It narrates anecdotes, such as the success story of a young intern who built a podcasting empire by mastering storytelling principles. Additionally, it delves into the interplay between negative and positive emotions in enhancing enjoyment and boosting sales, offering insights into captivating audience attention and managing emotional responses.
Harnessing Similarity and Difference: This section explains the significance of linguistic similarity in interpersonal dynamics, explaining its impact on social connections, promotions, and friendships. It also explores scenarios where embracing difference proves advantageous, citing examples from music popularity trends and artificial intelligence research.
The book concludes by emphasizing the universal role of language in everyday communication, whether through written correspondence or oral discourse. It underscores the importance of mastering language for effective communication, persuasion, and relationship-building, positing that linguistic proficiency is a skill that can be learned and honed over time, empowering individuals to achieve their communication goals effectively.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
This mini-series about books started off with the history of the library, then went to books at war, and now comes down to the book itself – or rather, how important the design of a book is to the reader.
Design is central to the appeal, messaging, and usefulness of books, but to most readers, it’s mysterious or even invisible. Through interiors as well as covers, designers provide structure and information that shape the meaning and experience of books. In The Design of Books, Debbie Berne shines a light on the conventions and processes of her profession, revealing both the aesthetic and market-driven decisions designers consider to make books readable and beautiful. In clear, unstuffy language, Berne reveals how books are put together, with discussions of production considerations, typography and fonts, page layouts, use of images and color, special issues for ebooks, and the very face of each book: the cover.
The Design of Books speaks to readers and directly to books’ creators—authors, editors, and other publishing professionals—helping them to become more informed partners in the design of their projects. Berne lays out the practical steps at each stage of the design process, providing insight into who does what when and offering advice for authors on how to be effective advocates for their ideas while also letting go and trusting their manuscripts with teams of professionals. She includes guidance as well for self-publishing authors, including where to find a designer, what to expect from that relationship, and how to art direct your own book.
Throughout, Berne teaches how understanding the whats, hows, and whys of book design heightens our appreciation of these cherished objects and helps everyone involved in the process to create more functional, desirable, and wonderful books.
Berne embarked on the journey of writing this book because she sensed a gap in understanding among the authors and editors she collaborated with regarding book design. It seemed there was a lack of accessible resources for them to grasp the intricacies of design. Traditional books on design target designers themselves, while online explanations often offer fragmented and bewildering information, focusing on the “what” rather than the “why.” Berne’s aim was to equip those on the editorial side with not only the vocabulary and techniques of design but also the underlying rationale behind design decisions. This endeavor wasn’t solely for enjoyment, although design can indeed be enjoyable, but rather to facilitate more meaningful discussions, enriched experiences, and ultimately, better books.
The Design of Books provides the reader with insights into the mechanics of typography and the significance of factors like line length. It will heighten your awareness of the nuances of headings and how the choice of words influences cover design. Above all, it will enhance your perception of design and its contributions.
As a book designer turned author, Berne advocates for the importance of design in publishing and emphasizes the significance of incorporating the voice and ideas of the designer early in the process. Often, design is an afterthought, introduced late in the game, leading to a discord between the materials provided and the expectations for their presentation. Authors should consider how the design will complement the content from the outset, including collaboration with designers during the developmental stages. Effective design should intertwine seamlessly with the content; attempting to apply it as an afterthought overlooks its essence.
Design inside a book creates order and bestows authority. Reading a badly designed book is like driving over a crumbling road, potholes everywhere.
Debbie Berne
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
In a follow-up to last week’s look at the history of the library, a companion post: the role of books in both shaping conflict and being shaped by conflict (the very appropriate subtitle of the book).
Print, in all its rich variety, will continue to play a part in human interactions through the globe, in war as in peacetime… When books go to war, others stay behind, a reminder of the better times when conflict can be banished to the edge of our consciousness, if never wholly eradicated.
Andrew Pettegree
We tend not to talk about books and war in the same breath – one ranks among humanity’s greatest inventions, the other among its most terrible. But as esteemed literary historian Andrew Pettegree demonstrates, the two are deeply intertwined.
The Book at Warexplores the various roles that books have played in conflicts throughout the globe. Winston Churchill used a travel guide to plan the invasion of Norway, lonely families turned to libraries while their loved ones were fighting in the trenches, and during the Cold War both sides used books to spread their visions of how the world should be run. As solace or instruction manual, as critique or propaganda, books have shaped modern military history – for both good and ill.
With precise historical analysis and sparkling prose, The Book at War accounts for the power – and the ambivalence – of words at war.
In May 1933, news of widespread book burnings orchestrated by the Nazis in Germany triggered a swift and impassioned response in the United States. Almost 200,000 people took to the streets in cities across the country to protest this censorship. Authors, some of whose works had been burned, strongly condemned the actions. President Franklin D. Roosevelt incorporated the imagery of the smoldering pyres into his speeches, emphasizing the importance of preserving freedom and civil liberties.
Nearly a century later, book burnings during the Nazi era remain a powerful symbol, partly due to their impact at the time. Many Americans saw them as emblematic of the German regime, serving as a forewarning of future atrocities. However, Andrew Pettegree’s extensive cultural history, The Book at War: How Reading Shaped Conflict and Conflict Shaped Reading, reveals a surprising twist. Less than two decades before the Nazi book burnings, during periods of wartime chauvinism, Americans themselves fervently burned German books, with librarians leading the way.
Pettegree, a professor of modern history at Scotland’s University of St Andrews, delves into the intricate relationship between printed media, books, and war. He argues that books have played a crucial role in conditioning readers to expect and support conflicts, serving as carriers of ideology and spoils for victors. Yet, they have also provided solace and solidarity during times of combat, offering comfort to civilians in hiding and soldiers on the front lines.
While Pettegree’s depth of knowledge and skillful storytelling are evident throughout, he reaches a high-water mark when detailing the literary toll of war, providing acute actuarial insights into the destruction of books during World War II. The loss of over 500 million books in Europe, including the ransacking of Jewish libraries and the devastation in Poland, underscores the profound impact on cultural heritage.
A fascinating thread weaves through what Pettegree calls “warrior authors” – the great leaders of the world powers who found themselves in opposition not only on the battlefield, but also on the written page. Here are a few examples:
Winston Churchill – Writing was in his blood; his first autobiography “My Early Life” was from his adventures in India and Africa during Britain’s various wars in the region. Prior to his ascendancy to become Prime Minister, writing and journalism kept him ahead of his mounting debts. After WWII, he would win the Nobel Prize for Literature, for his oratory and historical writing.
Adolf Hitler – The most notorious text of the twentieth century, “Mein Kampf” laid out in remarkable detail his program for Germany and the fate that awaited its enemies. He was also a discerning reader and collector, particularly of architectural and history books, appropriated by American soldiers in 1945 and now in the Library of Congress.
Joseph Stalin – Belying his reputation as crude and uneducated, he was a deeply literate and thoughtful reader and lover of books. His carefully curated library of over 15,000 volumes carried over into his involvement with some of the major writing projects of the Soviet state, influencing a war of ideas in Communist countries around the world.
Charles de Gaulle – A lonely symbol of French defiance during most of WWII, he first came to prominence as an author of aa widely admired text on armored warfare that crossed international boundaries and was quickly translated into both German and Russian.
The Book at War not only examines the destructive power of war on literature but also highlights how books have provided comfort to individuals enduring conflict. The accounts of Allied soldiers receiving cartons of paperbacks after storming Normandy’s beaches and Anne Frank finding solace in books while hiding from the Germans in Amsterdam are particularly poignant. These stories prompt reflection on how books continue to influence those facing conflict today.
On a personal note, my father was a WWII veteran who loved to read. Much later in life – his early 80s – he shared with me both stories and a few books that he had saved from his time in service. In addition, he had a highly curated selection of books by and about some of the great leaders of that generation, particularly Dwight Eisenhower. Upon is passing, I was fortunate to bring several of those into my personal library.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Tuesday is my “Lunch and Learn” day, typically involving a trip to my local library to drop off books I’ve completed and pick up new ones that are available on my hold list. As a long-time user of library facilities, it’s not a surprise that I would read a book about libraries!
Famed across the known world, jealously guarded by private collectors, built up over centuries, destroyed in a single day, ornamented with gold leaf and frescoes, or filled with bean bags and children’s drawings – the history of the library is rich, varied, and stuffed full of incident.
In The Library; A Fragile History, historians Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world’s great collections, trace the rise and fall of literary tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanors committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. In doing so, they reveal that while collections themselves are fragile, often falling into ruin within a few decades, the idea of the library has been remarkably resilient as each generation makes- and remakes -the institution anew.
Beautifully written and deeply researched, The Library is essential reading for book lovers, collectors, and anyone who has ever gotten blissfully lost in the stacks.
The Library: A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree delves into the rich and complex evolution of libraries throughout history. Pettegree skillfully navigates the cultural, social, and technological shifts that have shaped these institutions. The book explores the profound impact of libraries on societies, emphasizing their role as repositories of knowledge and catalysts for intellectual progress.
Pettegree traces the origins of libraries from ancient civilizations to the present day, highlighting key moments of transformation and adaptation. The narrative captures the challenges libraries faced, such as political upheavals, wars, and technological advancements, and how they managed to survive and thrive amidst these changes.
One notable aspect of the book is its attention to the people behind the libraries, from dedicated librarians to visionary leaders who shaped the destiny of these institutions. Pettegree effectively weaves together historical anecdotes, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the library’s journey.
As a voracious reader with a keen interest in history, I really appreciated the detailed exploration of the evolution of libraries and their pivotal role in preserving and disseminating knowledge. Pettegree’s thorough research and insightful analysis provided detailed explanations and appreciation for good arguments.
Overall, The Library: A Fragile History offers a compelling narrative that aligns with my interests in history and books. It serves as a valuable addition to my reading list, providing a nuanced perspective on the enduring significance of libraries across different eras.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
A recent experience by my wife and I highlighted the always present question when you need to go to a new place – how do I get there from here?
Going to the hospital – as a patient, family member, or even just to visit someone – is almost always guaranteed to make you uneasy when it comes to finding your way to your destination. Hospitals are typically complex, multilevel facilities – often built over a span of decades, which means they may have multiple entrances, building styles, and floor levels.
How do you help people find their way in a hospital – or in any other place – or in YOUR place?
People throughout history have gravitated to town centers, market squares, and public places to buy and sell products. Even houses of worship, once set apart as a literal sanctuary from the fray, now sit side by side with busy commercial centers, libraries, schools, restaurants, and residential complexes.
Over time, cities, spaces, complexes and buildings fill up with information, markers, and symbols. Sometimes the results are helpful, but the effect can also be ugly or chaotic, or both. The challenge is to enhance a space – public, commercial, or private – by finding order in chaos without destroying character.
Enter wayfinding.
Great wayfinding systems employ explicit signs and information as well as implicit symbols and landmarks that together communicate with accuracy and immediacy. Over the last thirty years, wayfinding design has matured to become an essential component of buildings and spaces, helping make sense of a sometimes overwhelming task: getting from here to there.
Wayfinding design provides guidance and the means to help people feel at ease in their surroundings.
David Gibson, The Wayfinding Handbook
Where am I? What can I do here? Where can I go from here? How do I get out of here?
Consciously or not, we ask such questions every day as we navigate the places and spaces of our lives.
Whether we find ourselves in a museum, hospital, airport, mall, or street in an unfamiliar city, we depend on systems of visual, audible, and tactile cues not only to lead the way, but also to keep us safe. They are the fundamental questions of wayfinding – a process that encompasses both the experience of choosing a path within a built environment and the set of design elements that aid in such a decision.
Not long ago, the professional practice of wayfinding design simply involved devising sign systems. Today, the field is much broader and continues to expand to address technological developments – kinetic media, GPS systems, web connectivity, smart materials – as well as cultural changes in areas such as branding and environmental awareness. Similarly, a cross-disciplinary familiarity with graphic, architectural, landscape, interior, industrial, and information design has become an essential requirement of twenty-first-century wayfinding design.
The Wayfinding Handbook by professional wayfinding designer David Gibson draws on more than thirty years of experience collaborating with architects, planners, developers, managers, and civic leaders to offer an insider’s view of this rapidly evolving discipline. Using real-life examples, Gibson illustrates the way type, color, mapmaking, dimensional forms, material selection, and new media are used to create effective wayfinding systems.
The Wayfinding Handbook is a complete guide to the discipline, from planning and design to practical considerations, such as setting up teams and managing projects. “Other Voices” sidebars, presented throughout the book, reveal the opinions of experts who plan, manage, and shape wayfinding projects. A comprehensive bibliography and gallery of resources round out what is likely to become the go-to resource for students, professionals, or anyone charged with designing peoplefriendly, universally accessible environments.
The Wayfinding Handbook by David Gibson is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricate art of wayfinding – the science and design of helping people navigate through spaces efficiently. The book covers various aspects of this field, providing insights into signage, environmental cues, and user experience.
Gibson starts by exploring the historical evolution of wayfinding, tracing its roots and development over time. He then delves into the psychology of navigation, emphasizing the importance of understanding how individuals perceive and interpret spatial information. The author skillfully combines theory with practical applications, offering a well-rounded approach suitable for both novices and professionals in design, architecture, and urban planning.
One notable strength of the book lies in its inclusion of case studies and real-world examples, illustrating successful wayfinding solutions and analyzing their effectiveness. This practical dimension enhances the reader’s understanding and provides valuable insights for implementing similar strategies in diverse contexts.
Gibson’s writing style is accessible, making complex concepts in wayfinding easily understandable. The book is highly organized, progressing logically from foundational principles to advanced topics. Each chapter builds upon the previous, creating a cohesive learning experience.
As someone deeply interested in hospitality and the user experience, I appreciated how The Wayfinding Handbook aligned with my passion for creating welcoming environments. The book not only addresses the functional aspects of wayfinding but also recognizes its role in enhancing the overall experience of spaces, especially with respect to all things hospitality.
In conclusion, The Wayfinding Handbook by David Gibson is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the design and use of physical spaces. Its blend of theory, practical examples, and a user-centric approach makes it a recommended read for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
Envision a world where bridges do not exist. Picture major cities like London, Paris, and Rome without convenient pathways across the Thames, the Seine, and the Tiber. Visualize Manhattan as an isolated island, lacking solid connections over the Hudson and East rivers.
Consider San Francisco without road access across the gate to the north and the bay to the east. Imagine Pittsburgh without any bridges spanning the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers. Picture Chicago without its substantial lift – and drawbridges, or Amsterdam without its more modest canal crossings. Envision Seattle without its lengthy, low floating bridges, or St. Petersburg without its soaring cable-stayed structure stretching over Tampa Bay.
The association between bridges and cities is profound, particularly because many of our greatest cities emerged where they are due to their proximity to water. Settlements along rivers and bays, often at crucial river crossings, have played a significant role in the growth of cities. Cambridge, an ancient English city dating back to Roman times, owes its existence to a bridge over the navigable River Cam. Oxford, another venerable English city, derived its name from being a crossing point of the Thames.
Reflect on the prevalence of water-related words like “port,” “bay,” and “haven” in the names of many cities and towns. Additionally, numerous states share names with the rivers that either border or bisect them.
Now, think about iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge spanning anything other than the Golden Gate itself. The location, design, proportions, scale, and color of the bridge seem perfectly suited for the site. Can you even imagine any other bridge between San Francisco and Marin County? Could a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge or a smaller version of the Golden Gate Bridge have been envisioned for different locations? Engineers must engage in this type of questioning and imagination before constructing any bridge. Early proposals for bridges in New York and San Francisco looked drastically different from the familiar structures we know today.
Bridges define the entrances to cities, and crossing or passing under some of the world’s great spans is an unforgettable experience. They serve as landmarks and guideposts for travelers, shaping first impressions of cities. Even small, anonymous highway bridges, though less famous, are crucial to local traffic. The engineers who design monumental bridges often begin by working on smaller ones, making them training grounds for ambitious dreams. Every bridge, regardless of size, is not just a functional structure but also an aesthetic and environmental statement.
Despite their significance, our thoughts about bridges often fade once they are open, taken for granted after grand celebrations. However, bridges, like people, are affected by their environment and face wear and tear from traffic, pollution, neglect, and aging. Regular maintenance, inspections, and a recognition of their limits are essential. Unfortunately, neglecting these aspects has led to approximately one in five American bridges being labeled structurally deficient.
Understanding the stories behind our bridges not only fosters a deeper appreciation for their rich history but also provides insight into the humanity of engineers and the field of engineering. It encourages greater pride in the contribution of bridges to our physical and cultural infrastructure and emphasizes the responsibility to maintain them. Imagine a world without bridges, and you’ll realize the immense impact these structures have on our lives.
In Engineers of Dreams, Henry Petroski reveals the science and engineering – not to mention the politics, egotism, and sheer magic – behind America’s great bridges, particularly those constructed during the great bridge-building era starting in the 1870s and continuing through the 1930s. It is the story of the men and women who built the St. Louis, the George Washington, and the Golden Gate bridges, drawing not only on their mastery of numbers but on their gifts for persuasion and self-promotion. It is an account of triumphs and ignominious disasters (including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which literally twisted itself apart in a high wind). And throughout this grandly engaging book, Petroski lets us see how bridges became the “symbols and souls” of our civilization, as well as testaments to their builders’ vision, ingenuity, and perseverance.
When you delve into the rich tapestry of bridges, it’s essential to appreciate their multifaceted significance throughout history and their tangible impact on human connectivity. Bridges, both literal and metaphorical, have stood as testaments to human ingenuity, overcoming physical barriers and fostering connections. From ancient structures like the Roman arch bridges to modern engineering marvels such as suspension bridges and cable-stayed spans, each iteration tells a story of innovation and the human desire to traverse obstacles. However, the essence of bridges extends beyond their structural prowess. Metaphorically, the concept of bridges has woven itself into the fabric of our language, serving as a symbol for forging connections, overcoming challenges, and navigating transitions. Let’s explore the myriad ways in which the metaphorical resonance of “bridges” enriches our understanding of relationships, communication, and personal growth across various domains.
The metaphor of “bridges” is widely used across various contexts, symbolizing connections, transitions, and relationships. Here’s a brief listing of the use of “bridges” as a metaphor:
Connecting Generations: The term “bridging the generation gap” is often used to describe efforts to foster understanding and collaboration between different age groups.
Building Relationships: “Building bridges” is a metaphor for establishing and strengthening connections between individuals or groups, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding.
Navigating Transitions: “Crossing a bridge” is a metaphor for going through a transition or overcoming challenges. It represents a journey from one state to another.
Overcoming Obstacles: “Bridging obstacles” signifies finding solutions and overcoming difficulties, emphasizing resilience and problem-solving.
Cultural Integration: In multicultural contexts, “bridging cultures” refers to efforts to promote understanding and harmony between different cultural groups.
Career Development:”Building a career bridge” is a metaphor for strategic planning and actions taken to advance one’s professional life, moving from one stage to another.
Knowledge Transfer: In the context of mentoring, the term “knowledge bridge” is used to describe the transfer of expertise from experienced individuals to those seeking to learn.
Communication: “Bridging the communication gap” is a common phrase used to highlight efforts to improve understanding and convey messages effectively.
Innovation and Technology: “Bridging innovation” is a metaphor for connecting existing technologies or ideas to create something new and groundbreaking.
Emotional Connections: “Building emotional bridges” is used to describe efforts to establish and maintain meaningful connections on an emotional level.
Mind-Body Connection: “Bridging the mind and body” is a metaphor for achieving harmony and balance between mental and physical well-being.
Education and Learning: ”Bridging knowledge gaps” signifies efforts to enhance learning and understanding, especially in educational settings.
Final Action: “Burning your bridges” forces you to continue with a particular course of action, and makes it impossible for you to return to an earlier situation or relationship.
Drastic Act: Going a “bridge too far” is to pursue something difficult to achieve, often with serious consequences.
These metaphors illustrate the versatility of the “bridge” concept, showcasing its relevance in diverse areas of life and thought.
What use of a “bridge” metaphor would you add to this short (and incomplete) list?
A brief note about this article:
Perhaps the most challenging of all types of reading is syntopical reading, which applies the analytical skills across a multitude of texts. Syntopical reading aims to compare books and authors to one another, to model dialogues between authors that may not be in any one of the books.
The ultimate aim is to understand all the conflicting viewpoints relating to a subject. It’s not to devise your own synthetic answer, as this would merely be an entry into the literature, rather than an understanding of what already exists.
I’m a big proponent of syntopical reading, and at any given time I have a half-dozen or more syntopical collections in progress. The concepts of Bridges in both reality and metaphor is one of my long-standing ones, and one that I will continue to revisit from time to time.
Long-time readers of this site will undoubtably recognize a few more: Modern Elderhood, Disney history, hospitality, and culinary history and practices, for example.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based, current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
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