The Subtle Erosion

How Specialization Forgets the Soul of Reading and Threatens Our Cultural Future?

The Barbarism of Specialization: George Steiner on a World That Has Forgotten How to Read is a critical examination of contemporary cultural literacy and the detrimental effects of increasing specialization within the humanities. Authored by prominent literary critic George Steiner, the work argues that the narrowing focus of academic disciplines hampers genuine engagement with literature and the arts, leading to a disconnect between scholarly pursuits and the lived experiences of individuals.

Steiner contends that this specialization cultivates a “bizarre pseudo-life” in the humanities, resulting in a superficial understanding of texts and a diminished appreciation for the power of language and expression in shaping human thought and culture.

Steiner highlights the essential role of the humanities in fostering critical thinking and empathetic understanding, especially during times of cultural and ideological crises. He warns that elitism within these fields further alienates the general public, reducing their societal impact and accessibility. Through his critique, Steiner calls for a re-evaluation of educational priorities to ensure that the humanities remain a vital resource for all, rather than a privilege of the few.

A significant theme in Steiner’s work is the critique of the evolution of literary criticism, which he argues has shifted from a rich, interpretative practice to a more empirical, specialized discipline that detaches it from its cultural context. This shift, according to Steiner, not only undermines the enjoyment and complexity of literature but also contributes to a broader cultural decline in traditional literacy, as society increasingly favors rapid and visual modes of communication over the nuanced engagement that literature demands. The reception of Steiner’s arguments has sparked ongoing debates regarding the relevance of the humanities in a fragmented society and the need for a more holistic approach to education that values interdisciplinary exploration and the shared human experience.

Themes

The Power of Language and Expression

George Steiner’s writing deeply engages with the inherent power of language and the limits of human expression. He explores how language shapes our understanding of the world and the moral responsibilities that accompany artistic creation . In his view, the humanities, while vital, often struggle to remain accessible and relevant in a culture that increasingly prioritizes specialization over broader, humanistic inquiries.

The Role of the Humanities in Society

Steiner argues for the essential role of the humanities in fostering critical thinking and empathetic understanding. He highlights that during times of cultural and ideological crises, the arts and humanities must not only withstand challenges but also actively contribute to a living humanistic culture. However, he also notes that there is a troubling tendency for these fields to become ensnared in elitism, becoming less accessible to the general public, which diminishes their societal impact .

The Impact of Specialization

A significant theme in Steiner’s work is the critique of specialization, which he sees as a barrier to genuine understanding and engagement with the arts and humanities. He argues that the increasing focus on specialized knowledge leads to a disconnect between scholarly work and the lived experiences of individuals. This separation fosters a “bizarre pseudo-life” within the humanities, where critical discourse often overshadows the immediacy and relevance of the art itself . Steiner emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the essence of literary and artistic expression, arguing that specialization can stifle the intrinsic joy and richness that comes from engaging with these works in their original contexts .

The specialist knows more and more about less and less and finally knows everything about nothing.

Nicholas Murray Butler

Access and Inclusivity in Education

Another critical aspect of Steiner’s themes is the notion of access to humanities education. He warns that financial elitism may render the humanities increasingly inaccessible, which poses a significant threat to the educational mission of universities. He insists that the humanities should be available to all, not just a privileged few, as they play a crucial role in cultivating a shared cultural and intellectual heritage .

Steiner’s advocacy for inclusivity highlights the necessity of broadening participation in the humanities to enrich society as a whole.

Structure of the work

In “The Barbarism of Specialization,” George Steiner examines the shifting dynamics of cultural literacy and the decline of traditional modes of communication and understanding within contemporary society. He posits that works of art and literature are not merely products of their time but are essential to shaping human experience and thought. Steiner emphasizes that genuine engagement with these works requires a sense of responsibility and a profound understanding of their historical and contextual backgrounds .

Transformation of Literary Criticism

Steiner discusses how literary criticism has evolved from an aristocratic pastime into a more rigorous, empirical discipline. This transformation, attributed to the New Critics, sought to adopt scientific methodologies to better analyze texts and their meanings . He critiques this shift as contributing to a growing alienation from the rich tapestry of language and its cultural underpinnings.

The Interplay of Language and Thought

A significant aspect of Steiner’s argument is the relationship between language, culture, and the human condition. He explores how the structures of Indo-European languages reflect the societal hierarchies and values that inform both personal and collective identities. The complexity of language is seen as a mirror to the intricacies of human experience, encompassing themes of life, death, and transcendence .

Steiner laments that as our engagement with these linguistic and cultural dimensions diminishes, so too does our ability to fully comprehend and appreciate literature and art.

The Absence of Historical Context

Steiner highlights the crucial lack of historical context in the study of literature, suggesting that an understanding of the scientific and philosophical advancements of a period is essential for grasping its literary outputs. He criticizes the omission of scientific discourse from the humanities curriculum, arguing that it leads to a superficial reading of literary texts and a failure to appreciate their deeper meanings and implications . This disconnection results in a cultural literacy that is fragmented and incomplete.

The Decline of Traditional Literacy

Steiner notes a broader decline in the appreciation of traditional rhetorical and literary values, indicating a shift towards a more visual and less articulate mode of communication in contemporary society. He points out that the enjoyment of