More Baths, Less Talking

1. Reading as Memento Mori: Life's Brevity

No time spent with a book is ever entirely wasted, even if the experience is not a happy one: there’s always something to be learned.

Mortality's shadow. Hornby reflects on how reading can serve as a reminder of life's limited time, especially when encountering books that don't resonate. This awareness encourages a more discerning approach to choosing what to read, emphasizing the importance of making each selection count. The fleeting nature of existence underscores the need to prioritize meaningful experiences, including the books we choose to engage with.

Time's preciousness. The author's realization that "every now and again, you can hit a patch of reading that makes you feel as if you’re pootling about" highlights the need to be selective. This sentiment is a call to action, urging readers to actively curate their reading lists and seek out works that offer genuine insight and enrichment. The goal is to avoid wasting precious time on books that fail to ignite the imagination or expand one's understanding of the world.

Meaningful engagement. The author's reflection on mortality isn't morbid but rather a call to arms. It's about making the most of the time we have by engaging with books that challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately make us feel more alive. This perspective transforms reading from a passive activity into an active pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery.

2. The Allure and Peril of Power: MLK's Assassination

You just need enough money to buy a decent hunting rifle.

Tragic simplicity. Hampton Sides's "Hellhound on His Trail" reveals the chilling ease with which James Earl Ray assassinated Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the stark reality that immense evil can stem from simple means. This underscores the vulnerability of even the most influential figures to individual acts of malice. The book serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present threat of violence.

Complex legacy. The author's reflection on the controversy surrounding Paul Greengrass's attempt to depict King's extramarital affairs underscores the challenges of portraying historical figures with nuance. The desire to sanctify heroes often clashes with the need to present a complete and honest picture, even if it includes uncomfortable truths. This tension highlights the difficulty of balancing reverence with historical accuracy.

Echoes of injustice. The author's comparison of the 1968 Washington, D.C. riots with the 2011 London riots reveals a disturbing continuity of social unrest and frustration. This connection underscores the enduring nature of inequality and the persistent need for systemic change. The comparison serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is an ongoing process, with each generation facing its own unique challenges.

3. The Illusion of Control: Financial Markets

Western liberal democracies are the best societies that have ever existed… Citizens of those societies are, on aggregate, the most fortunate people who have ever lived.

Systemic fragility. John Lanchester's "Whoops!" exposes the inherent instability of financial systems, revealing how complex models can fail to account for real-world risks. This underscores the illusion of control that often pervades the financial industry, where sophisticated tools can mask underlying vulnerabilities. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Human cost. The author's reflection on the subprime mortgage crisis highlights the devastating impact of financial recklessness on ordinary people. The pursuit of profit often comes at the expense of vulnerable individuals, who are lured into unsustainable debt. This underscores the ethical responsibility of financial institutions to prioritize the well-being of their customers over short-term gains.

Comprehension challenge. The author's struggle to grasp the complexities of financial instruments underscores the opacity of the industry. This opacity makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to hold financial institutions accountable and demand greater transparency. The author's experience highlights the need for greater financial literacy and a more accessible understanding of the forces that shape our economic lives.

4. The Power of Story: Connecting Through Shared Narratives

F. Scott Fitzgerald and his inamorata, columnist Sheilah Graham, used to watch the spats from Fitzgerald’s balcony.

Anecdotal magic. The author's delight in discovering that F. Scott Fitzgerald witnessed Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's arguments underscores the power of anecdotes to bring history to life. These small, humanizing details create a sense of connection to the past and make historical figures more relatable. The anecdote serves as a reminder that history is not just about dates and events, but also about the lives and experiences of individuals.

Biographical allure. The author's reflection on Stefan Kanfer's "Ball of Fire" highlights the enduring appeal of biographies, which offer a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary individuals. These narratives provide inspiration, insight, and a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. The author's enthusiasm underscores the power of biography to illuminate the human condition.

Narrative resonance. The author's reflection on the importance of stories, both fictional and non-fictional, highlights their ability to connect us to others and to the world around us. Stories provide a framework for understanding complex issues, exploring different perspectives, and ultimately making sense of our own lives. The author's enthusiasm underscores the power of narrative to shape our understanding of the world.

5. The Search for Meaning: Beyond Materialism

Some of America’s best features—the belief in democracy, equality, consensus-building, compromise, fairness, and mutual tolerance—can, when carried too punctiliously into the bedroom, result in very boring sex.

Existential void. The author's reflection on the emptiness of materialism, as revealed in Barbara Demick's "Nothing to Envy," underscores the human need for something more than material possessions. The book serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from connection, purpose, and meaning. The author's insight highlights the importance of seeking out values that transcend the material world.

Spiritual hunger. The author's reflection on the spiritual void in North Korea highlights the importance of freedom of thought and expression. The suppression of ideas and beliefs creates a sense of emptiness and despair, leaving individuals without a sense of purpose or direction. The author's insight underscores the need for societies to foster intellectual curiosity and encourage the pursuit of knowledge.

Authentic connection. The author's reflection on the importance of authentic connection, as revealed in Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity," underscores the need for intimacy and vulnerability in relationships. The pursuit of superficial pleasures often leaves individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. The author's insight highlights the importance of seeking out relationships that are based on genuine understanding and mutual respect.

6. The Complexity of Morality: Beyond Black and White

I thought it was fiction.

Nuance lost. The author's reflection on the controversy surrounding Paul Greengrass's attempt to depict Martin Luther King Jr.'s extramarital affairs underscores the difficulty of portraying historical figures with nuance. The desire to sanctify heroes often clashes with the need to present a complete and honest picture, even if it includes uncomfortable truths. This tension highlights the difficulty of balancing reverence with historical accuracy.

Ethical quagmire. The author's reflection on Richard Schickel's biography of Elia Kazan highlights the complexities of moral choices, particularly in times of political upheaval. The decision to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was not a simple act of betrayal, but rather a complex calculation with far-reaching consequences. The author's insight underscores the need to approach ethical dilemmas with empathy and understanding.

Moral ambiguity. The author's reflection on the difficulty of judging historical figures underscores the importance of context and perspective. What may seem like a clear-cut moral choice in hindsight was often a difficult and agonizing decision at the time. The author's insight highlights the need to avoid simplistic judgments and to appreciate the complexities of human behavior.

7. The Importance of Empathy: Understanding Others' Experiences

The way said contamination is prevented is through inbreeding, which, of course, is often the genetic cause of a royal dynasty’s demise through sterility, miscarriages, stillbirths, and sickliness.

Cultural relativity. The author's reflection on the Hawaiian practice of incestuous relationships underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to avoid imposing one's own values on others. What may seem abhorrent from one perspective may be perfectly acceptable from another. The author's insight highlights the need to approach different cultures with respect and understanding.

Shared humanity. The author's reflection on the suffering of North Koreans, as revealed in Barbara Demick's "Nothing to Envy," underscores the importance of empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate. The book serves as a reminder that even in the most oppressive circumstances, individuals retain their humanity and deserve our respect and support. The author's insight highlights the need to reach out to those who are suffering and to offer them hope and assistance.

Personal connection. The author's reflection on the importance of personal connection, as revealed in Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity," underscores the need for intimacy and vulnerability in relationships. The pursuit of superficial pleasures often leaves individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. The author's insight highlights the importance of seeking out relationships that are based on genuine understanding and mutual respect.

8. The Value of Art: Reflecting and Shaping Our World

I thought it was fiction.

Truth in fiction. The author's reflection on the power of fiction to reveal deeper truths about the human condition underscores the importance of art as a means of understanding ourselves and the world around us. Fiction can offer insights that are not always accessible through factual accounts. The author's insight highlights the need to appreciate the unique power of art to illuminate the human experience.

Cultural commentary. The author's reflection on the importance of cultural commentary, as revealed in Stefan Kanfer's "Ball of Fire," underscores the role of art in shaping our understanding of society. Art can challenge our assumptions, provoke our emotions, and inspire us to action. The author's insight highlights the need to support and encourage artists who are willing to take risks and push boundaries.

Emotional resonance. The author's reflection on the importance of emotional resonance, as revealed in Eleanor Henderson's "Ten Thousand Saints," underscores the power of art to connect us to others and to ourselves. Art can help us to process our emotions, to make sense of our experiences, and to find meaning in our lives. The author's insight highlights the need to embrace art that speaks to our hearts and minds.

9. The Danger of Dogma: Questioning Accepted Truths

Some of America’s best features—the belief in democracy, equality, consensus-building, compromise, fairness, and mutual tolerance—can, when carried too punctiliously into the bedroom, result in very boring sex.

Unexamined beliefs. The author's reflection on the importance of questioning accepted truths, as revealed in Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity," underscores the need to avoid dogma and to embrace critical thinking. Unexamined beliefs can lead to stagnation and conformity. The author's insight highlights the need to challenge our assumptions and to be open to new perspectives.

Intellectual curiosity. The author's reflection on the importance of intellectual curiosity, as revealed in Barbara Demick's "Nothing to Envy," underscores the need to seek out knowledge and to challenge our own biases. Intellectual curiosity can lead to greater understanding and empathy. The author's insight highlights the need to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Moral courage. The author's reflection on the importance of moral courage, as revealed in Richard Schickel's biography of Elia Kazan, underscores the need to stand up for what we believe in, even when it is unpopular. Moral courage can lead to greater justice and equality. The author's insight highlights the need to be willing to take risks and to challenge the status quo.

10. The Beauty of Imperfection: Embracing Flaws and Vulnerability

I thought it was fiction.

Humanizing flaws. The author's reflection on the importance of humanizing flaws, as revealed in Richard Schickel's biography of Elia Kazan, underscores the need to avoid idealizing historical figures and to embrace their imperfections. Flaws make individuals more relatable and human. The author's insight highlights the need to appreciate the complexities of human nature.

Authentic connection. The author's reflection on the importance of authentic connection, as revealed in Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity," underscores the need for intimacy and vulnerability in relationships. The pursuit of superficial pleasures often leaves individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. The author's insight highlights the importance of seeking out relationships that are based on genuine understanding and mutual respect.

Personal growth. The author's reflection on the importance of personal growth, as revealed in Eleanor Henderson's "Ten Thousand Saints," underscores the need to embrace change and to learn from our mistakes. Personal growth can lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment. The author's insight highlights the need to be open to new experiences and to challenge our own limitations.

11. The Power of Laughter: Finding Joy in the Absurd

F. Scott Fitzgerald and his inamorata, columnist Sheilah Graham, used to watch the spats from Fitzgerald’s balcony.

Comic relief. The author's reflection on the importance of comic relief, as revealed in Stefan Kanfer's "Ball of Fire," underscores the need to find humor in even the most difficult situations. Laughter can help us to cope with stress, to connect with others, and to find joy in life. The author's insight highlights the need to cultivate a sense of humor and to appreciate the absurdity of the human condition.

Social commentary. The author's reflection on the importance of social commentary, as revealed in Eleanor Henderson's "Ten Thousand Saints," underscores the role of art in challenging our assumptions and provoking our emotions. Laughter can be a powerful tool for social change. The author's insight highlights the need to support and encourage artists who are willing to take risks and to push boundaries.

Emotional release. The author's reflection on the importance of emotional release, as revealed in Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity," underscores the need to find healthy ways to express our emotions. Laughter can help us to release tension, to connect with others, and to find joy in life. The author's insight highlights the need to cultivate a sense of humor and to appreciate the absurdity of the human condition.

Last updated: February 28, 2025