Intellectual or stupid dumbass?

[sylvar]

Jodi said tonight that she doesn't think I'm as much of an intellectual as I used to be because I don't read nonfiction as much as I used to. (I do watch philosophy lectures on DVD as I fold laundry, I've been watching a four-hour series on the construction of skyscrapers, and I almost always have a book on tape -- although those have tended to be fiction since I've listened to many of the library's good NF audio already.)

So, anyone got any suggestions? I guess she didn't notice when I was trying to wrap my brain around Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe, but I do like expository science essays in the tradition of Asimov and Clarke. Maybe I should give Guns, Germs and Steel another try. What else would you recommend to someone who wants to read intellectual stuff that's interesting and well-written?

Comments

[osh1013.livejournal.com]

doesn't think I'm as much of an intellectual as I used to be because I don't read nonfiction as much as I used to.

This makes as much sense as if I didn't think you were as much of a horse anymore because you don't ride merry-go-rounds as much as you used to.

Inotherwords, "almost none", unless one is of the superficial notion that What A Person Is can be defined by One Behavioral Trait.

So, anyone got any suggestions?

Literal answer: blow it off, except insofar as she's your wife and you might be concerned about understanding her worldview.

Answering what you really asked: I'll take "What Loucheroo Said" for 1000, Alex. I would suggest "Connections", except it's about as good to watch the series as read the book, and apparently the 'video' format doesn't qualify for 'intellectualness.' ;)

[heathrow.livejournal.com]

ITA with Louch, Ed, and !.

Yes, you're not reading as many "big" books since you're in the real world and not in school anymore. It happens.

I find it rather...off-putting that she would say that. Read what you want anc be happy.

[myranda.livejournal.com]

Amen, sister.