Learning from Classic Works

Why do so many people avoid reading classic literature or even feel opposed to it? There are many reasons, but I’ll try to explain based on my own experience. First, classic works are often too boring to be understood in a contemporary context, at least literally. Second, there are simply too many classics, and some have already become archaic before we even get the chance to read them. Third, like food and music, classic literature is a matter of taste and personal claims—it cannot be universally justified as essential for everyone. Lastly, classic works are often too overrated.

That being said, it’s still worth learning about some classic authors whose works have influenced world civilization. But before that, let’s look at the insights of Jeffrey Brenzel, a dean and philosophy professor at Yale University, who outlines five criteria for what makes a written work a classic. This is an interesting foundation to rationally understand why certain works hold significance—and an intriguing starting point for those curious to explore further.

Brenzel's five criteria are:

1. It addresses fundamental concerns of humanity.

2. It shifts long-standing paradigms.

3. It influences other great works.

4. It is widely respected as an extraordinary piece of literature.

5. It is challenging to comprehend but ultimately rewarding for those who make the effort.

Brenzel cites The Republic by Plato as one of the most important foundational texts of classical civilization. He argues that the work attempts to answer fundamental questions about justice, the value of education in society, the ideal form of government, and, most importantly, the debate on what constitutes a noble life. However, it should be noted that this book is not purely Plato’s own work, as it contains discussions with the legendary philosopher Socrates.

Of course, the Yale dean’s list is subjective. To some, classic literature isn’t necessarily tied to a distant past. For example, the renowned author Salman Rushdie reportedly does not favor classical Greek literature but has openly expressed a fondness for the pop-culture phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey. Whether this was sarcasm or a genuine statement remains unclear. Ultimately, whether a book becomes a classic depends on how we perceive its influence on our creative processes.

So why am I bringing up a work that is over 2,400 years old? To answer that, you must first understand that the modern education system—one that is open to everyone—only emerged in the 19th century. Before that, access to education was limited to the ruling class, religious elites, and royal families. Knowledge was once a privilege monopolized by a select few.

Today, the ability to engage with classic literature and understand its significance is a privilege. With the vast accessibility of the internet, we should seize this opportunity to read these works as a celebration of intellectual freedom. But wait—why am I going on about reading? Wasn’t this discussion supposed to be about writing? The answer is simple: writing without reading is impossible.

Now that we understand the impact of classic literature on civilization, the criteria that define a classic, and the fact that these works are more accessible than ever—what will you do as a writer? I hope we can read more classic literature, learn from the way these authors wrote, and grasp the ideas behind their works. Ideally, we can even discuss together what we can take from them, both as readers and writers.

Written by. Arman D.