Recently a student in my general education seminar asked me if she could read a graphic novel version of Frankenstein, or just use the SparkNotes version to complete her homework, since she was having such trouble reading the original text.
My 20th century answer to that query would be an emphatic NO; you must read Mary Shelley's novel in its primary, unabridged form.
In the 21st century, I am not so sure.
Yes, if you want to grow up to be a literature scholar, you'd better be able to read Shakespeare and Shelley and all the great writers word for word.
But as part of "general education," is it necessary for all students to be able to read old English fluently? Is this a skill they are going to need going forward? Or is their resourcefulness in finding a workaround actually the most important skill they are learning here?
Another student recently explained to me enthusiastically how she uses AI to help her get her homework done faster. She is a hardworking, ambitious student for whom English is a second language, and AI tools are helping her manage a heavy course load.
Both of these interactions speak to how young people are prioritizing speed and productivity over the kind of depth and thoughtfulness that I remember enjoying so much as a student.
Of course, I did want to grow up to be a writer and a teacher of writing and literature; I majored in English and journalism in college, then got an MA and PhD in comparative literature, so naturally I did a ton of reading of original texts (in four different languages, to boot).
Now I'm asking myself: In the 21st century, as speed learning becomes the norm, is the kind of education I pursued going to be considered a waste of time?
Or will we perhaps come around to a counter-movement of slow learning, a rebellion in which we'll bring learning back to the organic pace of the human mind?
No, I can't write as fast as ChatGPT. But I can do something better: I can ponder. I can choose to pause, to linger over a phrase, to let my mind wander from someone else's imagination into my own flights of fancy.
As I said to my students the other day, in the future the two most precious resources are going to be TIME and CREATIVITY.
When you put those two together, that's when the magic happens.
Not the superficial bells and whistles of AI algorithms at work, but a plumbing of the deep, mysterious source inside each of us, that connects us to each other as well as to the whole cosmos of which we are a tiny part.
Maybe reading Frankenstein is not necessary for a solid 21st century education. But somehow we have to find ways to conserve and teach the practice of deep, slow thinking—a uniquely human skill that can never be outsourced to AI.
Come practice slow creativity with me in Tuscany or Iceland this spring!
You are welcome to join me for a fabulous Il Chiostro memoir writing workshop May 25 - June 1, 2024 at the luxurious Borgo San Fedele, a meticulously restored monastery set in exquisite gardens amid a classic Tuscan landscape of olive groves and vineyards.
Our days will unfold in a perfect balance of guided writing and productive sharing; excursions guided by our Il Chiostro hosts to nearby picturesque medieval towns; coming home to San Fedele to relax by the pools and gardens, eat delicious meals and visit with new friends; and taking time for your own contemplative writing and thinking.
You’ll come away from this magical sojourn simultaneously enlivened and relaxed, with a deeper understanding of your purpose in writing memoir, along with many pages of new writing providing a plethora of potential doorways into the story of your life.
More information (and beautiful photos) here.
Ready to book? Click here.
Come Riding & Writing with me in Iceland this June!
Give your creative spirit the tonic it needs with an all-inclusive week of RIDING and WRITING in the spectacular Icelandic countryside, in the height of the bright summer season, June 10 – 16, 2024.
Every day we’ll ride out on sturdy, sweet Icelandic horses through the expansive rolling vistas of western Iceland, led by our experienced guides from Hestaland. Once you’ve experienced the exhilaration of the fast, smooth tolt, a gait unique to Icelandic horses, you may not want to go back to the trot!
We’ll eat delicious meals together at the beautiful Hestaland Guesthouse and participate in thoughtful, open-hearted guided writing sessions.
There will also be plenty of time for sharing and discussing your writing projects and relaxing at the nearby hot spring spa, Krauma.
Learn more about costs and accommodations on the application form.
Whether you’ve been to Iceland many times, or this will be your first experience there, this trip is sure to be transformative!
More information (and beautiful photos) here. Email me with any questions!
Friends, it’s my pleasure and my passion to support you as we stretch towards living our lives creatively and to the fullest.
The motto of my author consulting business is “Writing to Right the World,” and the motto of my book publishing business, Green Fire Press, is “Books that Make the World Better.”
If these intentions resonate with you and you are working on a book, or have one in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Supporting creative people bring their work more strongly out into the world is one way I try to make the world better….
Jennifer- Thanks for sharing this. "Pondering" is definitely not really the strength of AI. To them perhaps it's "buffering." This is a great thought-building process you started. I enjoyed it. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia