E.B. White

I’ve been reading a book of essays by E.B. White with some commentary on the writing by some college professors. First off, a rant about the commentary, then I’ll talk about the actual writing. I’m of the opinion that commentary of that sort which “explains” what devices a writer is using is mostly a waste of paper. Reading good writing is an experiential process, and experiencing it through someone else’s perspective, even if it is “learned and intelligent” perspective, is limiting the value of the writing. I would equate it to seeing a slideshow of the forest compared to walking through it. I suppose it might be interesting to read some of this commentary after reading the actual writing, but I’ve chosen not to bias my thinking before the commentary before. It more fun that way.

In any case, I’m greatly enjoying White’s writing, and finding some of the essays to be very relevant. One written in 1940 particularly stood out for me. Its subject is fascism, and in it, White is discussing the tendencies of people around him to apathetically go along with some of the Nazi-like thinking that had reached its way to this side of the Atlantic. It strikes be that there are so many these days who are willing to do the same, and go for the “my country right or wrong” philosophy. Or for that matter, "G.W. Bush, always wrong." Makes you think. Maybe I’ll reread the essay at some point, and share some more thoughts.