American Socrates

Can Reading More Books Save Democracy?

Charles M. Rupert Season 1 Episode 6

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In an age of endless scrolling and bite-sized content, does reading still matter? This episode explores Neil Postman’s argument that different forms of media shape the way we think—and why reading is unique in making us better thinkers, speakers, and decision-makers. We’ll break down how books train the mind for deeper reasoning, challenge our biases, and help us engage with the world in a way that tweets and TikToks never could. If you want to sharpen your mind, expand your perspective, and reclaim your attention, this episode is for you.

why reading matters, Neil Postman media theory, books vs. social media, critical thinking and reading, deep reading benefits, philosophy of media, how reading shapes the mind, attention and literacy, intellectual development, philosophy podcast.

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