OXFORD MEDIA SOCIETY
3rd Week Newsletter: The Wandering Mind
How do we remain creative amidst technological distraction? Read this week's newsletter by our Finance & Sponsorship Assistant Rachel Turner!
Recommended readings include: creativity, monks, and Substack — be sure to take a look!
In a society ever reliant on constant technological communication, the creative disposition sometimes feels out of reach. It can be tough to think of ideas, right? To develop an evolved world view, interesting and colourful perspectives. In a frenetic modern world, where it can be difficult to hang onto our own voices, we must start thinking of creativity as a skill that can be strengthened and nurtured through persistence.
I was intrigued to discover, whilst reading Casey Cep’s piece in the New Yorker a few days ago, that the struggle to focus is not just a phenomenon of the digital age. Her book review of The Wandering Mind delves into a series of lessons that emerge from a centuries long war against distraction. The cause-and-effect relationship between creativity and culture is a fascinating one; and I think one worth considering further at a time when the media industry is evolving how we interact with the written word through fresh ideas and initiatives.
In particular, the development of Substack has been an exciting disruptor in the sector. In creating a way for writers to retain readers, and for publishers to get paid without having to print on paper, the newsletter platform is reshaping our media consumption. The New Statesman article below offers a cheerful vision for the future of journalism.
Recommended Reading
The New Yorker: What Monks Can Teach Us About Paying Attention
The New Statesman: Is Substack the Future of Media?
The Conversation: How to Unlock Your Creativity
Rachel Turner
Finance and Sponsorship Assistant