The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft · Chapter
XXII explained
Ryecroft reflects on the literary journals and the apparent progress of civilization through widespread publishing, but he questions the true depth of intellectual engagement.
What happens
Ryecroft reflects on the literary journals and the apparent progress of civilization through widespread publishing, but he questions the true depth of intellectual engagement. He argues that the reading public is very small, that many buyers of books are motivated by fashion or half-education, and that vigorous mental life often coexists with moral barbarism. He concludes that true civilization requires more than literary activity.
Themes in this chapter
The Hardships of Literary Life
Ryecroft critiques the literary marketplace, noting the gap between the volume of publishing and genuine intellectual engagement, and the moral failings of authors and readers.
Critique of Materialism and Modernity
He laments that material interests dominate over intellectual pursuits, and that many buy books for fashion or status rather than true appreciation.
English Character and National Identity
Ryecroft worries about the state of contemporary England, where the half-educated and morally barbaric threaten true civilization.
Key passages
“Were one to look at the literary journals only, and thereafter judge of the time, it would be easy to persuade oneself that civilization had indeed made great and solid progress, and that the world stood at a very hopeful stage of enlightenment.”
If you only read literary magazines, you might think civilization is advancing wonderfully and the world is becoming enlightened.
Ryecroft sets up the contrast between appearances and reality in literary culture.
“No, the public which reads, in any sense of the word worth considering, is very, very small; the public which would feel no lack if all book-printing ceased tomorrow, is enormous.”
The truly reading public is tiny; most people wouldn't miss books if they disappeared.
He emphasizes the small size of the serious reading audience.
“A man may be a fine archaeologist, and yet have no sympathy with human ideals. The historian, the biographer, even the poet, may be a money-market gambler, a social toady, a clamorous Chauvinist, or an unscrupulous wire-puller.”
A person can be an expert in one field but still lack moral decency or concern for humanity.
Ryecroft argues that intellectual achievement does not guarantee moral virtue.