Why people recommend it
Standing by Words by Wendell Berry is a collection of essays that explores the deep connections between language, morality, agriculture, and the health of human communities and the natural environment. On the November 28, 2023 broadcast of The Ezra Klein Show, featuring a best-of episode titled Best Of: This Is Your Brain on Deep Reading. It’s Pretty Magnificent., guest Maryanne Wolf discussed her literary influences. While speaking with the host, Wolf arrived at the point of sharing her final reading recommendations. She noted that selecting the third and final item would be very difficult for her. She ultimately mentioned standing between Wendell Berry's Standing by Words and the works of the theologian John Donne. Although her selection process highlighted the challenge of choosing among profound intellectual influences, her reference to Berry's book underscored its significance as a text that demands deep engagement, careful thought, and a rigorous examination of how humans use language to relate to the world around them. The book continues to resonate with readers who value ecological awareness, cultural critique, and the preservation of meaningful discourse in an increasingly fragmented modern society.
Who recommended it
- Maryanne Wolf Recommended
Maryanne Wolf — 1 mention
“the third will be very difficult for me because it's something between Wendell Barry standing by words and John Dunn the Theologian”