I agree with this note.

Because I write about the Great Books, I meet many people who are defensive or apologetic about not reading the classics.

This is not a class thing—people in all walks of life feel the same lingering shame about the books they haven’t read and the culture they haven’t acquired.

We all have things we haven’t gotten to yet, because they’re not high on our priorities list. My wife loves classical music. I keep meaning to make a greater effort to listen, but ten years have passed and I haven’t made much progress. The barrier to entry is high—I am never sure what I am supposed to be getting out of it.

The same is true for many people, with regards to many things. Art is large; we can all understand that there are things which are good, but not good for us right now at this moment.

My perspective is that everyone is free to use their leisure how they see fit, and I trust people to use their time in ways that are life sustaining and good.

So if someone tells me that reading the Great Books isn’t for them right now, what am I supposed to say?

“You are lying! You have the time! You just want to numb your mind with pablum.”

I would never say that, because it’s not what I believe. I trust people to make the right choices for themselves. I believe reading the Great Books can be a wonderful choice for most people, and my aim is to convince them that if they choose to open these books, they would probably get something out of them.

But what you have or haven’t read is nothing to feel ashamed about. Reading great literature is an accomplishment, but it’s just one of many possible accomplishments in the world—it’s not the only way to find meaning in life.