Crash Course: How to Read and Why

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: Importance of reading and writing; how to read and why.

Reading as a Marker of Civilization

• Writing and reading viewed as markers of civilization.
• Oral traditions can also house great stories (e.g., "The Odyssey," "Mules and Men").
• Privileges of reading and writing:
  • Communicates with people far away.
  • Hear the voices of the dead.
  • Stories are about communication.

The Purpose of Grammar

• Created for effective communication, not to make grade school difficult.
• Prepositions and grammar help describe actions and experiences.
• Good writing helps convey complex ideas and experiences.
• Language should be clear to avoid miscommunication.

Reading as an Act of Empathy

• Imagination of what it's like to be someone else.
• Literary devices used intentionally to enrich stories.
• Authorial intent isn't as important as reader's experience.

Authorial Intent

• John Green's perspective:
  • Authorial intent is less important than the reader's experience.
  • Books exist for the benefit of readers.
  • Reading symbols enriches the reader's experience regardless of authorial intent.

Communication and Writing Challenges

• Tough to make others feel your emotions (e.g., breakup story).
• Writers face challenges of communicating nuanced experiences to readers far away or in the future.
• Needs compelling figurative language for effective empathy.

Critical Reading

• Aim: Understand the complexity of human experience.
• Not about "symbol-hunting" for grades.
• Benefits of reading critically:
  1. Gain fuller understanding of others' lives.
  2. Develop empathy.
  3. Improve personal storytelling precision.
  4. Useful in many real-life situations (e.g., business).
• Enhances connection with others and self-awareness.

Upcoming Readings

• Books and texts to be covered:
  • "The Great Gatsby"
  • "Romeo and Juliet"
  • Poetry by Emily Dickinson
  • "The Catcher in the Rye"
• First reading: "Romeo and Juliet"

Production Credits

• Producer and Director: Stan Muller
• Script Supervisor: Meredith Danko
• Associate Producer: Danica Johnson
• Written by: John Green
• Graphics: Thought Bubble
• Q&A: Leave questions in comments for expert responses.

Closing

• Encouragement to read "Romeo and Juliet".
• Sign-off: "Don’t forget to be awesome."