"The beauty of literature resides partly in its uselessness." | Hernan Diaz | Louisiana Channel

[@josepha133]

Whoever is behind the making of these videos, thank you! You have no idea how much they mean to me as an aspiring writer.

[@marienbad7]

Couldn't agree more. Louisiana Channel (and the museum of course) is such a gem 💎

[@elenaking3341]

His language is so juicy. I am fascinated by his an ability to speak with such a passion about literature.

[@jackintheworld6639]

Hearing Hernan Diaz reminds me how deep and human artists can create deep and human works - not because they are magical, but because they dive beneath the surface with all the love and craft they can muster.

[@jetjaguar88]

Lots of words of wisdom from Diaz. Lots of ideas to mull over. I need to read Trust. Mahalo.

[@mariwittenbreer6865]

I can't believe how many fine books I have read this year and this one is in the top three.

[@zaratustraishere]

Can you share the other two top three?

[@felipearaujo5835]

Trust is such an incredible book. His prose is beautiful.

[@whowantsusernames]

I just love how passionately he talks about literature. I remember as an art student reading about people throwing chairs in response to (I think) impressionist paintings, and kind of wishing that painting technique could still provoke that kind of reaction. I feel like this writer might throw a chair if needs be (kidding/not kidding). I do feel a little uncomfortable placing the attack on reality neatly in republican or conservative realm. My personal impression is that reality is becoming increasingly unpopular across political lines, although maybe it is attacked in different ways, depending on political leanings. Anyway, thank you for another highly inspiring interview. I immediately ordered one of the author's books.

[@albertoballocca]

Thank you for this! 🙏

[@Jonbhamm]

I just loved his book.

[@naznyc]

His writing reminds me of Edith Wharton.

[@NeilWick]

A lot of people say that. I'm going to have to read some Wharton if I ever get the time to do it.

[@davidstovall7263]

Yes!

[@marianodesmaras6623]

Hernan lives in english speaking country and writes entirely in english. Yet I observe here that his manner, gestures, and humility is very Latin American. He also expresses himself as if from the outside of english speaking culture. His skill with english is perfect, but I feel he writes to the image of English. I share this view with sympathy, I'm also Latin American and prefer to write in english.

[@skygun5013]

Every time someone brings up the reality under attack issue I can't help but think of In the Mouth of Madness. The Sam Niel character knocking on the dresser, saying this is reality. That's the only reality under attack. Better yet that reality is defeated.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

Love hearing about these kinds of writers. But I disagree with literature not teaching you anything, what about Charles Dickens work? Didn't he want to write novels to figure out the problems in the world?

[@paulwheeler6609]

Love this tape but first he says literature is useless, but then insists he wants his work to open up the world. I wouldn't call that useless. Or am I being too sensitive?

[@nononouh]

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[@cecebarnes7715]

Disagree that this was all Republican caused. Too bad he has to go to political polemics in otherwise good interview. Literature causes me to ponder and think. It is not useless.