Dillard perceives criticism, with this book serving as an instance, as the contemporary "focusing of the religious impulse." She implies that the creation and interpretation of art might be the last distinct purpose remaining for us on Earth. At least she voices the opinion that among human intellectual pursuits, art still generates and preserves holistic meaning, and she has the faith that we can discern it.

Fiercely intellectual yet not pedantic, Dillard also engages in lighthearted antics in her oblique manner and has her idiosyncratic fun, which is enjoyable to witness. Beyond her and others' theories, she believes, "Always, if the work is good enough, the writer can get away with anything."

So, what is the book about? It涵盖了现代主义或传统的小说和非小说作品。这些作品运用了平实或优美的散文风格。这里的混合与搭配确实非常有趣。

Living By Fiction, realized splendidly with Dillard's acerbic wit, is both my personal confirmation bias echo chamber and a thought-provoking review of the pursuit of meaning in a world where we are the creators and ascribers of it, perhaps a world lacking in inherent meaning.

"The most cheerful view of art to which I ever subscribe is one in which the art object requires no viewer or listener - no audience whatever - in order to do what it does, which is nothing less than to hold up the universe."

The concept that art, in its entirety, is our resistance against entropy (even though I was already aware of feeling this way) is truly inspiring. This is especially so as we continue to live in uncertainty, constantly worried about what lies ahead. Art and fiction will endure in all their forms.

This particular work is going to stay with me for a long time in the most wonderful way.

Annie Dillard's "Living by Fiction" presents a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between criticism, art, and the world.

She challenges Emile Cioran's view on intellectual parasitism, showing that criticism can be an art form in its own right, using literature as a source of inspiration.

The essay delves into two main themes: criticism versus art and art versus world. The question of whether fiction illuminates the world or only the mind of its creator is gradually answered through a discussion of the how, what, and why of the fiction-world relationship.

Contemporary fiction employs various techniques, such as narrative collage, to break time and simulate chaos. However, true art always has unity and meaning.

Characters in modern fiction have changed, becoming flattened and intellectual rather than emotional. The point of view has also evolved, with multiple voices or even non-human narrators.

Themes in contemporary fiction often center around art itself, and the relationship between the tale and its teller leads to questions about perception.

Despite the challenges, contemporary writers continue to grapple with the problem of knowing the world, using different approaches to explore cognition.

Most contemporary writers fall between traditionalism and contemporary modernism, creating complex stories with modernist techniques.

The second part of the study examines the state of art, noting that there is no real revolution in literature and that the audience of literature is eclectic.

The blurring of genres has both advantages and disadvantages, and the role of critics is to help readers avoid the halo effect.

The third part discusses the broken links between criticism, art, and the world, arguing that criticism cannot truly interpret art and that art does not aim to interpret the world.

Ultimately, the author concludes that if there is a meaning to the world, it may be found in art, which convinces us that the world has a purpose, even if it may not.

Just... dull.

This work is quite possibly aimed mostly at those who want to know more about the writer than about what she is writing.

It seems to lack the engaging elements that would draw in a wider audience. The content appears to be more focused on the author's personal details and background rather than presenting a captivating story or argument.

While some readers may be interested in learning about the writer, for many others, the main appeal lies in the subject matter itself.

Without a more compelling exploration of the topic, the piece risks losing the attention of those who are seeking substance and entertainment.

It could benefit from a more balanced approach that combines insights into the writer with a more in-depth examination of the subject at hand.

This would make it more accessible and interesting to a broader range of readers.

Language, like other cognitive structures, serves a purpose for certain tasks while being of no value for others.

I am unable to inform you, as I myself do not know, what it is that my language precludes me from knowing.

Language is in itself similar to a work of art; it makes selections, abstractions, exaggerations, and imposes order.

So how could we assert that language encloses and signifies phenomena, when in fact language is like a fabricated grid that someone has placed in a river?

It is a construct that filters and shapes our perception of the world, but it also has its limitations.

We must be aware of these limitations and not assume that language can fully capture the complexity and nuance of all phenomena.

Perhaps there are aspects of reality that remain beyond the reach of our language, waiting to be discovered through other means.

From the “Revolution, No” chapter.

Pot-smoking hippy wackadoo Annie Dillard, who is regarded as a patron saint of overwrought prose, decides to take a brief break from her habitual navel-staring. Instead, she turns her gaze towards her bookshelf and feels compelled to share with us every little detail about what is there.

From the way she writes, one can't help but get the impression that she would be an extremely trying person to have an actual conversation with.

The really pressing question that keeps popping up is: what kind of shit-caked C.H.U.D. (Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers) keeps having the audacity to publish her books?! It's truly a mystery that baffles the mind.

One wonders if there is some hidden charm or merit in her works that eludes the average reader, or if it's just a case of some strange literary cult that keeps promoting her.

Either way, her writing and the continued publication of her books remain a source of both amusement and frustration for many.

I didn't follow it as well as I wanted but I liked it.

At first, I was a bit confused and struggled to keep up with the pace. However, as I delved deeper into it, I began to appreciate its unique charm.

The more I explored, the more I found myself drawn to its interesting aspects. Although I faced some difficulties in the process, I didn't let that deter me.

I continued to push forward, determined to understand and enjoy it to the fullest.

Despite not being able to follow it perfectly, the overall experience was still very satisfying. It had a certain allure that kept me engaged and eager to learn more.

I believe that with further practice and study, I will be able to master it and truly unlock its potential.

For now, I will cherish the moments when I was able to connect with it and look forward to future opportunities to explore it further.

Whatever this book is, it isn't what I initially anticipated. I had been envisioning a one-sided defense of modern and post-modern literature. However, it turns out to be a highly balanced exploration and meditation on various aspects such as fiction and literary criticism. Dillard remarkably manages to embrace both innovation and tradition. She doesn't shy away from calling out those charlatans who have unfortunately given modern literature a rather bad reputation.

I also found her snippets of commentary on modern art to be quite engaging. As she put it, "The French Impressionist bedtime story (which implies that popular works are ipso facto bad) combines appallingly with art's severing of historical ties to give contemporary painters the abysmal license of a free fall. Cut off from both an audience and an agreed-upon set of traditional values, pushed out of a plane, a free falling painter may wiggle any way he chooses, repeating, 'They laughed at Manet and they laughed at Renoir'; but the air is very thin. If the remote and aristocratic painter can do no wrong, he can also do no right. And no one is laughing now."

Nonetheless, my absolute favorite quote in the book is this: "Any penetrating interest in anything ultimately leads to what used to be called epistemology. If you undertake the least mental task -- if you so much as try to classify a fern -- you end up agog in the lap of Kant." This quote truly encapsulates the profound nature of intellectual pursuits and how they can lead us to the very heart of philosophical inquiries.

A Post Modernist writing about Post Modernists is a rather interesting concept.

It's as if she is navigating through a complex web of ideas, carefully gathering them together every few paragraphs.

It's like tightening a string through loops in a bag, ensuring that each thought is connected and holds its place within the larger framework.

This method of writing gives the piece a sense of cohesion and structure, even within the often fragmented and eclectic world of Post Modernism.

Her ability to bring together different ideas and perspectives in this way is truly remarkable.

It allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the Post Modernist movement and the various ways in which it has influenced art, literature, and culture.

Overall, her writing serves as a valuable exploration of this fascinating and often misunderstood area of study.

Some of the coolest, matter-of-fact referential and confident conversation about fiction that I've ever come across.

It's truly a remarkable experience to encounter such engaging discussions. The speakers seem to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of various fictional works, effortlessly referring to different elements and details. Their confidence in expressing their opinions adds to the charm of the conversation.

Moreover, it's also a very "80s" kind of literary criticism, which I dig. The style and tone of the criticism harken back to that era, with its unique blend of enthusiasm and authenticity. It brings back memories of a time when literary discussions were perhaps more vibrant and passionate.

This kind of conversation and criticism not only enriches our understanding of fiction but also provides a platform for different perspectives and interpretations. It's a reminder of the power and beauty of literature and the importance of engaging in meaningful discussions about it.

I look forward to more such conversations and hope to contribute my own thoughts and insights in the future.

A meandering, philosophical journey through the trunks of Annie Dillard's deep mind. It is a unique exploration that takes the reader on an unexpected path.

Perhaps less coherent than her other books, this work still manages to captivate with its charm. There are still some jaw-dropping, beautiful passages in here about the work and craft of writing well. These passages are like precious gems, shining bright in the midst of the meandering narrative.

They offer insights and inspiration to anyone who has an interest in the art of writing. Dillard's words seem to flow effortlessly, as if she is sharing her most intimate thoughts and feelings with the reader.

Overall, this is a book that is worth reading for its beautiful prose and unique perspective on the writing process.

Video review

The video under review can be accessed through the link https://youtu.be/6xLFCrq7YZk.

This video likely offers a unique perspective or content that catches the viewer's attention. It could be about various topics such as technology, entertainment, education, or any other area of interest.

As one watches the video, they may notice the quality of the production, including the clarity of the visuals, the audio, and the overall editing. The video might also have a compelling narrative or message that engages the audience and keeps them hooked from start to finish.

Whether it's a short clip or a longer video, it has the potential to provide valuable information, entertainment, or inspiration. By clicking on the provided link, viewers can explore the video and form their own opinions about its content and value.

Overall, the video review serves as a guide for others who may be interested in watching the video and helps them make an informed decision about whether it's worth their time.