Delicious Summer Reading

I “struck it rich” with two books I found on the summer’s reading stack: Maggie Jackson’s study, "Distracted" and a collection of Bill Moyer’s speeches titled, "Moyers on Democracy." Each book has offered such depth of scope on their subjects, that I found myself jotting notes at least as much as I was reading.

First, Maggie Jackson. The subtitle, “The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age,” has an ominous cast to it. Jackson explores the junction between human pursuits and technology. When I read snippets to Sharon, her comment was, “Sounds like a book about spirituality.” Indeed, it is. For the chapters revolve around the long standing staples of the spiritual life: attention and focus, judgment and the written word, history and awareness. Jackson’s thesis is that we are losing our ability to manage our lives, an unintended consequence of the easy access of technological communication. No Luddite, her observations serve as a cautionary tale, suggesting some resources that can help us explore the wonder of the world wide web and other innovations with minimal self harm. This book is a staple of the examined life, the most consistent demand of western philosophy. As Jackson puts it, “the way we live is eroding our capacity for deep, sustained, perceptive attention—the building block of intimacy, wisdom, and cultural progress.” For any who seek to deepen these core facets of their lives, Jackson provides ample encouragement.

Then, Bill Moyers. The book is a collection of public speeches that Moyers had made in different venues over the past twelve years. His audiences are varied including the Hamilton College Class of 2006 and the cadets at West Point; mourners at funerals for William Sloane Coffin and Barbara Jordan; and groups of public policy wonks and journalists. Moyer’s pithy grasp of the human situation is engaged with passion and humor. About his life partner he says, “A man is fortunate who marries his muse.” About Texas religion, Moyers observes, “In Texas, there are more Baptists than people.” Preachers will observe the structure of these orations, as varied and attention grabbing as any orator would want. But best of all are Moyer’s passions, his diagnosis of the present mess and his wide ranging experience creates a credible pulpit from which to comment on our democracy. I came away with renewed resolve to and confidence in the notion that each human being’s lived experience is important to the health of the whole society.

Each volume, in its own way, is a source of spiritual ignition. I think I will be rereading these two volumes in the coming years. I commend them to you.