I feel that news is hitting relevant notes less and less, and yet there is more of it. In his talk at the Sydney Opera House, Alain de Botton takes a philosopher’s view of the news.
The historical purpose of news was to provide information; people could read it, use it and the world would improve. To me this is the fundamental lens by which to explore this topic as I consider ‘does the world improve by the news I read and watch?’.
Highlight Notes:
- The news is not new. De Botton has classified news stories into 43 archetypes (although the book reviews claim there to be 25). Examples include:
Celebrities doing normal things: This helps us feel closer to celebrity status, and for that instant helps our lives seem less mundane.
Improvement in health: This helps us feel hope that we will live forever.
Understanding the archetypes helps us be better consumers of news since there is an abundance.
- News gives us a disproportionate view of the world. It simplifies and magnifies success. It amplifies certain disasters and hides others.
- Can news be reinvented to celebrate the virtuous instead of the sensational? De Botton shared his thoughts on the current debate relating to introducing Knights and Dames. He thought well of as it brought to light more of the better virtues of our society.
Wisely shared: Don’t spend too much time reading online comments, it might lead you to think that the world is mean and angry.
Location: Sydney Opera House
Book: The News: A User’s manual
#alaindebotton
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