Aristotle believed that philosophy begins in wonder. So, too, did Einstein: “Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead and his eyes are dimmed.” Wonder is the reinvention of humility, the means by which we fall in love with the world. Wonder, however, can freeze into nostalgia, a bereaved fascination with a world to which we no longer have access. In this talk, the John Palattella discussed the importance and variety of languages of wonder in nature writing as well as in poetry, and wager why they are vital to our lives.
John Palattella is an editor at The Point and was previously the literary editor of The Nation. His essays and reviews have appeared in numerous publications, including The Nation, London Review of Books, The Point, and Bookforum. His expertise extends to diverse literary genres and critical perspectives. Through his editorial role and writing, Palattella continues to shape conversations around contemporary literature, offering a nuanced understanding of cultural and political dynamics. His dedication to fostering literary dialogue establishes him as an eminent figure in the realm of literary criticism.
Ludger Hagedorn, IWM Permanent Fellow, moderated this Fellows' Colloquium.
