I studied the humanities in a broad sense. I consciously avoided studying literature specifically, because I thought it would ruin the pleasure of reading for me. It seems that I made the right choice :)
I realised that i tend to read literature emotionally rather than intelectually. I try to feel it instead of trying to figure out all the references or symbolisms or hidden meanings.
This is how i enjoy experiencing a piece of media for the first time. I immerse myself in it. I don't think what the chill autumn wind means - i feel the chill autumn wind.
And looking at other experiences, once you have studied literature, it might be hard not to intelectualise or criticise it. In a way, studying something can make you lose the sense of wonder it gave. Like if you like magic tricks, knowing how they are done might ruin the wonder you had for the tricks.
In a way this is why when I enjoy something, I avoid attaining "technical" knowledge about it. I enjoy the thing because it gives me a sense of wonder. Knowing the theories of how it is crafted transforms it into a bland formulaic things (yes, there are people who find formulas enjoyable, bu i'm not one of them).
The saying "ignorance is bliss" does pertain onto enjoyment of an experience.
I studied the humanities in a broad sense. I consciously avoided studying literature specifically, because I thought it would ruin the pleasure of reading for me. It seems that I made the right choice :)
I realised that i tend to read literature emotionally rather than intelectually. I try to feel it instead of trying to figure out all the references or symbolisms or hidden meanings.
This is how i enjoy experiencing a piece of media for the first time. I immerse myself in it. I don't think what the chill autumn wind means - i feel the chill autumn wind.
And looking at other experiences, once you have studied literature, it might be hard not to intelectualise or criticise it. In a way, studying something can make you lose the sense of wonder it gave. Like if you like magic tricks, knowing how they are done might ruin the wonder you had for the tricks.
In a way this is why when I enjoy something, I avoid attaining "technical" knowledge about it. I enjoy the thing because it gives me a sense of wonder. Knowing the theories of how it is crafted transforms it into a bland formulaic things (yes, there are people who find formulas enjoyable, bu i'm not one of them).
The saying "ignorance is bliss" does pertain onto enjoyment of an experience.