When You Know Someone
Weekend Special
How Gen Z Came to See Books as a Waste of Time
The Atlantic
An alarming trend has emerged in higher education, where many college students are arriving unprepared to read entire books. Interviews with 33 professors from prestigious universities reveal a consistent narrative: students often feel overwhelmed by the prospect of reading multiple texts each semester. This issue seems to reflect a broader generational shift in engagement with literature, as many students struggle with complex ideas and lengthy texts. Factors contributing to this decline include the rise of smartphones and social media, which fragment attention spans, and a noticeable reduction in full book assignments in middle and high schools. As a result, students often enter college with limited experience reading complete works, having instead focused on shorter excerpts and other forms of media.
Professors do not attribute this decline solely to laziness; rather, they observe that today’s students are overscheduled and anxious, with their priorities increasingly aligned toward financial success rather than intellectual exploration. Data shows a significant shift in student values over the decades, with a growing emphasis on using college as a means to achieve financial stability rather than fostering a meaningful philosophy of life. This cultural change suggests that the importance placed on reading may have diminished, leading to a situation where spending time on literature feels unproductive. However, this shift also presents an opportunity for society to re-evaluate its values regarding education and reading, emphasizing the collective responsibility to encourage a renewed appreciation for literature among younger generations.
Song Recommendation — When You Know Someone by Valley
Cooking — Braised Beef Brisket
Chinese Food & Other Stuff
Braised Beef Brisket is a rich and flavourful dish that features tender chunks of beef brisket slow-cooked in a savoury broth. This comforting meal is often enjoyed during cold weather, as the slow braising process infuses the meat with deep flavours and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Typically served with rice or noodles, the dish showcases the art of transforming humble cuts of meat into a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.
Enjoy your Americano and Black Friday weekend!