One already feels like an anachronism, writing novels in the age

"One already feels like an anachronism, writing novels in the age of what-ever-this-is-the-age-of, but touring to promote them feels doubly anachronistic. The marketplace is showing an increasing intolerance for the time-honored practice of printing information on paper and shipping it around the country." These words by Lev Grossman reflect a deep tension between the past and present, between tradition and modernity, between the written word and the digital age. Grossman speaks of a world where the very act of writing novels—a practice that once defined human communication and culture—feels increasingly out of place. In an age where digital technology dominates, the process of printing and physically distributing books seems like a relic, an anachronism. Yet, this feeling of obsolescence is not just about technology; it is about how society has shifted its values and priorities.

At the heart of this quote is a profound recognition of how rapid technological progress has reshaped every aspect of our lives. Books, once the pinnacle of human knowledge and creativity, now face a growing indifference from the marketplace. The rise of digital content, instantaneous downloads, and online platforms has led to a decline in the physical book market. The act of writing novels, once seen as a noble and revered tradition, now feels almost out of place in a world that seems to demand instant gratification and short-form content. This shift, Grossman suggests, is not just technological—it is cultural. It reflects a larger shift in human values, one that places more importance on convenience and immediacy than on the deliberate process of writing, reading, and reflecting.

Consider the life of Plato, who, despite being a philosopher of profound depth, was a part of a tradition that did not embrace the written word in the same way we do today. Plato, like his mentor Socrates, preferred dialogue over written text. He believed that true knowledge could only be discovered through conversation, the exchange of ideas face-to-face, not through the written word. However, Plato also recognized that the written word had its place, especially in preserving knowledge for future generations. Yet, even Plato might have marveled at the way in which technology has reshaped communication. His thoughts on the primacy of oral tradition would likely stand in contrast to today’s world, where writing is often digitized and consumed in fragmented bursts. In this, Grossman’s sense of being an anachronism might echo the ancient philosophers’ struggles with preserving timeless knowledge in an ever-changing world.

In the same way, the invention of the printing press in the 15th century transformed society, forever altering how people communicated and shared ideas. Johannes Gutenberg’s press, which made the mass production of books possible, ushered in an era of literacy and intellectual exchange unlike any the world had seen before. It was a revolutionary technology in its time, yet over time, the very books that were once revolutionary have become symbols of a bygone age. The marketplace, Grossman suggests, is showing a growing intolerance for the slow and deliberate process of printing physical books, much as society once grew impatient with the handwritten manuscripts that preceded Gutenberg's press. Just as the written word supplanted the oral traditions of ancient cultures, digital technology has now overshadowed the printed word.

The struggle that Grossman faces, as an author in an age increasingly indifferent to traditional publishing methods, is a battle against a shifting tide of culture. The world of publishing, which once held books as sacred objects, now places more emphasis on speed and efficiency—qualities that digital platforms excel at. In this context, Grossman’s reflection reveals the emptiness of rushing toward the future without fully appreciating the depth and substance of the past. Books, though considered slow by today’s standards, offer richness and depth that no digital media can replicate. They require patience, reflection, and a deliberate process of engagement—virtues that are increasingly scarce in a world that demands instant answers and fleeting distractions.

The lesson to take from Grossman’s words is the importance of preserving and valuing the traditions that have shaped us, even in the face of rapid change. The written word, like all forms of knowledge, must be appreciated not just for its utility, but for its purpose. The very act of writing a novel or crafting a work of art takes time, effort, and reflection—qualities that digital technology, for all its convenience, cannot replicate. Books—the tactile, physical manifestation of human thought—serve as a reminder of our connection to past generations, to ideas that have endured through the centuries. In this age of immediacy, we must learn to slow down, to return to the depths of reflection, and to value the slow process of creation, just as Grossman does, even as the world around us rushes toward the future.

In practical terms, this means that we must cultivate patience in our lives and our work. The deliberate process of creation, whether it be through writing, thinking, or making art, requires time and space. It cannot be rushed or commodified for the sake of speed or marketability. Just as the ancient philosophers valued dialogue and careful reasoning, so must we value the depth and integrity of our work. In a world that often rewards quick results and instant gratification, let us remember that true value comes from the slow, thoughtful process that allows for deeper insight and meaning.

In conclusion, Lev Grossman’s reflection serves as a reminder that traditions—whether in writing, publishing, or intellectual exchange—are not easily discarded. As society shifts toward new technologies, we must remain grounded in the wisdom and value of the processes that have shaped our culture. Let us honor the past, even as we embrace the future, and seek to find balance between the quick and the deep, the instant and the lasting. Just as the printed word once revolutionized society, so too must we ensure that the written word and the deliberate act of creation are not lost in the rush to the next technological frontier.