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The Ecstasy of Influence: Nonfictions, Etc.

Authors: Jonathan Lethem, Jonathan Lethem

Overview

This book, a collection of my essays and occasional pieces, explores the intersections of art, influence, and cultural memory. It’s a deeply personal exploration of my journey as a writer and reader, while engaging with broader questions about the nature of creativity and the role of the artist in contemporary society. I examine how artists are shaped by their influences, both conscious and unconscious, and how this process of borrowing and reinterpretation is essential to the creative act. I argue that embracing influence, rather than striving for originality, can lead to richer and more meaningful art. I explore these ideas through a series of reflections on my own writing, my encounters with other writers, and my lifelong engagement with popular culture. I delve into the history of copyright, the concept of the public domain, and the increasingly blurred lines between art and commerce. I champion the “ecstasy of influence,” the liberating power of borrowing and reinterpretation, while challenging the traditional emphasis on originality and individual genius. This book is for anyone interested in the creative process, the nature of art, and the role of the artist in the 21st century. It’s for those who are fascinated by the ways in which art and culture intersect, and for those who believe that art has the power to change the way we see the world.

Book Outline

1. My Plan to Begin With, Part One

I come from a background of dropping out. Neither of my parents finished college, and I quit before I could even be kicked out. I worked in used bookstores for years, and that was where I learned how to be a writer. I read voraciously, learned about the business, and observed the customers. I was always aware of the tradition of bookstore clerks becoming writers, and I was proud to be a part of it.

Key concept: “Twist away the gates of steel Unlock the secret voice—”

1. The Used Bookshop Stories

As I progressed in my bookselling career, I worked in larger and more successful bookstores. I met a lot of interesting people, including famous writers. I also had to deal with shoplifters, book thieves, and demanding customers.

Key concept: “You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast …”

1. The Books They Read

The Hippie Parents, my generation, weren’t illiterates. They read voraciously, but in retrospect, their reading lists were eclectic and contradictory. Their reading habits were a reflection of their time, a time of great social and cultural upheaval.

Key concept: “They were seekers’ books, weren’t they? Those people, they weren’t retrenching, they had little fear of the unknown.

1. Undressing “Me,” Addressing “You”

I’ve always been drawn to writers who are willing to be self-conscious and to explore the nature of art and the role of the artist. I find this kind of self-awareness refreshing, even if it can be a little unsettling at times.

Key concept: “I’m completely in print, so we’re all stuck with me and stuck with my books.”

2. My Plan to Begin With, Part Two

In the summer of 2008, in a world consumed by anxieties about terrorism and a crumbling economy, I watched the movie "The Dark Knight," and felt it resonated with a morbid sense of incoherence and chaotic form.

Key concept: “Broken pipes, broken tools / People bending broken rules …”

3. Plagiarisms

I believe in the "ecstasy of influence," the idea that all creative work is ultimately a product of borrowing, appropriation, and reinterpretation. I’ve explored this idea in my own writing, and I’ve also argued that it’s a fundamental principle of cultural production.

Key concept: “All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated …”

4. Film and Comics

I’ve always been drawn to the fringes of literary culture, to writers like Philip K. Dick and J.G. Ballard, who worked in genres that were often dismissed as "subliterary," like science fiction. I believe these writers have a lot to offer, and I’ve tried to bring their work to a wider audience.

Key concept: “You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast …”

6. 9/11 and Book Tour

I’ve also written about my experiences as a novelist, about the challenges of book touring, and about the weird and wonderful people I’ve met along the way. I’ve learned that being a writer is a strange and wonderful journey, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Key concept: “I’m eternally grateful to my past influences But they will not free me I am not diseased All the people ask me How I wrote Elastic Man”

7. Dylan, Brown, and Others

I’m interested in exploring the ways in which music and other forms of art can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. I’m fascinated by the power of music to evoke emotions, memories, and ideas, and I’ve tried to capture that power in my writing.

Key concept: “The incomplete is often more effective than completeness, especially in the case of eulogy: the aim of which requires precisely an enticing incompleteness as an irrational element which presents to the hearer’s imagination the illusion of a dazzling sea and obscures the coast on the other side, that is to say the limitations of the object to be eulogized, as though in a fog.

8. Working the Room

These essays are about my life and work, but they’re also about the nature of art and the role of the artist. They’re about influence, appropriation, and the creative process. They’re about the joys and challenges of being a writer, and about the ways in which art can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. And, most of all, they’re about the things that I can’t help thinking about.

Key concept: “The novel will be at your funeral.”

Essential Questions

1. What is the ‘ecstasy of influence’ and how does it challenge traditional notions of creativity?

Lethem argues that all creative works are inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles. He calls this the “ecstasy of influence,” a process of creative borrowing and reinterpretation that he sees as fundamental to artistic expression. He supports this argument by tracing the lineage of various literary and artistic works, highlighting how they draw inspiration from and reimagine earlier creations. He cites examples from music, literature, and visual arts, demonstrating the pervasiveness of influence across different creative fields. This concept challenges traditional notions of originality and authorship, suggesting that creativity lies in the act of reimagining and transforming existing material, not in inventing something entirely new.

2. How does Lethem view the role of ‘pop culture’ in contemporary art?

Lethem suggests that we are “surrounded by signs,” immersed in a media-saturated environment that constantly bombards us with images, sounds, and texts. He argues that rather than retreating from this “pop culture” landscape, artists should embrace it, drawing inspiration from the rich and often chaotic tapestry of contemporary experience. He suggests that the challenge for artists is to find meaning and create art out of this overwhelming abundance of material, to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. He champions artists who engage with popular culture in their work, seeing them as vital chroniclers of our times.

3. How does Lethem challenge the traditional distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture?

Lethem challenges the traditional, hierarchical view of culture that elevates “high art” above “low” or popular forms. He argues that this distinction is often arbitrary and based on outdated notions of artistic value. He champions artists working in genres like science fiction, comic books, and popular music, arguing that their work can be just as profound and meaningful as any “literary” fiction. He encourages readers to embrace a more inclusive and democratic understanding of culture, recognizing the artistic merit in diverse forms of expression.

4. How does Lethem reflect on his own journey as a writer and the challenges of the creative process?

Throughout his essays, Lethem reflects on his personal journey as a writer, grappling with questions of influence, ambition, and the challenges of navigating the literary world. He discusses his struggles with writer’s block, his anxieties about success and failure, and his ongoing attempts to find his own voice amidst a sea of influences. He shares his experiences with honesty and vulnerability, offering insights into the creative process and the often messy reality of being a writer.

Lethem explores the social and ethical implications of copyright law, arguing that it has been corrupted by corporate interests and that its current form stifles creativity and limits access to knowledge. He champions the concept of the public domain, advocating for a more open and collaborative approach to cultural production. He argues that the free flow of ideas is essential to artistic innovation and that overly restrictive copyright laws ultimately harm both artists and society as a whole.

1. What is the ‘ecstasy of influence’ and how does it challenge traditional notions of creativity?

Lethem argues that all creative works are inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles. He calls this the “ecstasy of influence,” a process of creative borrowing and reinterpretation that he sees as fundamental to artistic expression. He supports this argument by tracing the lineage of various literary and artistic works, highlighting how they draw inspiration from and reimagine earlier creations. He cites examples from music, literature, and visual arts, demonstrating the pervasiveness of influence across different creative fields. This concept challenges traditional notions of originality and authorship, suggesting that creativity lies in the act of reimagining and transforming existing material, not in inventing something entirely new.

2. How does Lethem view the role of ‘pop culture’ in contemporary art?

Lethem suggests that we are “surrounded by signs,” immersed in a media-saturated environment that constantly bombards us with images, sounds, and texts. He argues that rather than retreating from this “pop culture” landscape, artists should embrace it, drawing inspiration from the rich and often chaotic tapestry of contemporary experience. He suggests that the challenge for artists is to find meaning and create art out of this overwhelming abundance of material, to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. He champions artists who engage with popular culture in their work, seeing them as vital chroniclers of our times.

3. How does Lethem challenge the traditional distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture?

Lethem challenges the traditional, hierarchical view of culture that elevates “high art” above “low” or popular forms. He argues that this distinction is often arbitrary and based on outdated notions of artistic value. He champions artists working in genres like science fiction, comic books, and popular music, arguing that their work can be just as profound and meaningful as any “literary” fiction. He encourages readers to embrace a more inclusive and democratic understanding of culture, recognizing the artistic merit in diverse forms of expression.

4. How does Lethem reflect on his own journey as a writer and the challenges of the creative process?

Throughout his essays, Lethem reflects on his personal journey as a writer, grappling with questions of influence, ambition, and the challenges of navigating the literary world. He discusses his struggles with writer’s block, his anxieties about success and failure, and his ongoing attempts to find his own voice amidst a sea of influences. He shares his experiences with honesty and vulnerability, offering insights into the creative process and the often messy reality of being a writer.

Lethem explores the social and ethical implications of copyright law, arguing that it has been corrupted by corporate interests and that its current form stifles creativity and limits access to knowledge. He champions the concept of the public domain, advocating for a more open and collaborative approach to cultural production. He argues that the free flow of ideas is essential to artistic innovation and that overly restrictive copyright laws ultimately harm both artists and society as a whole.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Influence, Not Originality

Lethem encourages a more fluid and inclusive understanding of creative influence, arguing against rigid notions of originality and authorship. He suggests that art is inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles, and that the truly creative act lies in reimagining and transforming existing material.

Practical Application:

In the context of AI, this takeaway encourages AI engineers to explore diverse datasets and algorithms, recognizing that innovation often arises from combining existing approaches in novel ways. Just as an artist might be inspired by a disparate range of sources, an AI engineer can draw inspiration from a variety of algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques to create unique and effective solutions.

2. Recognize the Importance of a Thriving Public Domain

Lethem’s exploration of copyright law highlights the potential dangers of overly restrictive intellectual property rights. He argues that a vibrant public domain, where ideas can flow freely and be reinterpreted, is essential to fostering creativity and innovation.

Practical Application:

In the development of AI, this takeaway emphasizes the importance of considering the social and ethical implications of technology. AI engineers should not simply focus on creating technically advanced systems but also think about how these systems will be used and how they might impact individuals and society as a whole.

3. Value the Intangible Qualities in Art and Technology

Lethem’s passionate writing about music emphasizes the importance of the intangible qualities that make art truly impactful, qualities like emotion, soul, and interpretive wit. He suggests that a great singer can transcend the technical aspects of music to move an audience on a deeper level.

Practical Application:

This takeaway can be applied in the context of AI by encouraging developers to create systems that are not simply functional but also engaging and aesthetically pleasing. Just as a great singer can transcend the technical aspects of music to move an audience, an AI system that is both effective and aesthetically engaging can have a greater impact.

4. Embrace Change and Adaptability

Lethem’s analysis of Bob Dylan’s career highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in artistic practice. He suggests that true artistry often involves a willingness to experiment, to deviate from established forms, and to embrace change.

Practical Application:

This principle can be applied in the development of AI by creating systems that are adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. Just as a musician might improvise or reinterpret a song based on the audience and the moment, an AI system that can learn and adapt to new data and situations will be more effective and resilient.

1. Embrace Influence, Not Originality

Lethem encourages a more fluid and inclusive understanding of creative influence, arguing against rigid notions of originality and authorship. He suggests that art is inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles, and that the truly creative act lies in reimagining and transforming existing material.

Practical Application:

In the context of AI, this takeaway encourages AI engineers to explore diverse datasets and algorithms, recognizing that innovation often arises from combining existing approaches in novel ways. Just as an artist might be inspired by a disparate range of sources, an AI engineer can draw inspiration from a variety of algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques to create unique and effective solutions.

2. Recognize the Importance of a Thriving Public Domain

Lethem’s exploration of copyright law highlights the potential dangers of overly restrictive intellectual property rights. He argues that a vibrant public domain, where ideas can flow freely and be reinterpreted, is essential to fostering creativity and innovation.

Practical Application:

In the development of AI, this takeaway emphasizes the importance of considering the social and ethical implications of technology. AI engineers should not simply focus on creating technically advanced systems but also think about how these systems will be used and how they might impact individuals and society as a whole.

3. Value the Intangible Qualities in Art and Technology

Lethem’s passionate writing about music emphasizes the importance of the intangible qualities that make art truly impactful, qualities like emotion, soul, and interpretive wit. He suggests that a great singer can transcend the technical aspects of music to move an audience on a deeper level.

Practical Application:

This takeaway can be applied in the context of AI by encouraging developers to create systems that are not simply functional but also engaging and aesthetically pleasing. Just as a great singer can transcend the technical aspects of music to move an audience, an AI system that is both effective and aesthetically engaging can have a greater impact.

4. Embrace Change and Adaptability

Lethem’s analysis of Bob Dylan’s career highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in artistic practice. He suggests that true artistry often involves a willingness to experiment, to deviate from established forms, and to embrace change.

Practical Application:

This principle can be applied in the development of AI by creating systems that are adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. Just as a musician might improvise or reinterpret a song based on the audience and the moment, an AI system that can learn and adapt to new data and situations will be more effective and resilient.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: The Ecstasy of Influence

This essay is the centerpiece of Lethem’s argument about the pervasive nature of influence in art. It’s a masterful blend of personal reflection, cultural criticism, and literary analysis, offering a compelling case for embracing influence as a source of creative power. For an AI engineer, this essay can spark a deeper understanding of how ideas are generated, combined, and transformed in the process of innovation.

Memorable Quotes

Undressing “Me,” Addressing “You”. 13

Example: The odd fact is that naming Sheckley as a science-fiction writer cost me some discomfort, but an extremely familiar and tolerable form of discomfort, one I routinely self-inflict for the useful friction it generates in the conversation into which I’ve tossed the term.

The Books They Read. 33

Those people, they weren’t retrenching, they had little fear of the unknown. Give them that. They were open not only to expansions of their cultural or social selves, their bodies and their arts and their families, but also to a bigger inside, a bigger within.

Two Dickian Novels. 71

There are, however, instances of fiction that are more fundamentally Dickian; works that, rather than evoking Dick’s milieu, reproduce—in many cases unknowingly—the signature disruptive effects of a novel by Dick.

The Ecstasy of Influence. 125

“Animation is built on plagiarism! You take away our right to steal ideas, where are they going to come from?”

You Can’t Steal a Gift. 136

The cardinal difference between gift and commodity exchange is that a gift establishes a feeling-bond between two people, whereas the sale of a commodity leaves no necessary connection.

Undressing “Me,” Addressing “You”. 13

Example: The odd fact is that naming Sheckley as a science-fiction writer cost me some discomfort, but an extremely familiar and tolerable form of discomfort, one I routinely self-inflict for the useful friction it generates in the conversation into which I’ve tossed the term.

The Books They Read. 33

Those people, they weren’t retrenching, they had little fear of the unknown. Give them that. They were open not only to expansions of their cultural or social selves, their bodies and their arts and their families, but also to a bigger inside, a bigger within.

Two Dickian Novels. 71

There are, however, instances of fiction that are more fundamentally Dickian; works that, rather than evoking Dick’s milieu, reproduce—in many cases unknowingly—the signature disruptive effects of a novel by Dick.

The Ecstasy of Influence. 125

“Animation is built on plagiarism! You take away our right to steal ideas, where are they going to come from?”

You Can’t Steal a Gift. 136

The cardinal difference between gift and commodity exchange is that a gift establishes a feeling-bond between two people, whereas the sale of a commodity leaves no necessary connection.

Comparative Analysis

“The Ecstasy of Influence” distinguishes itself through Lethem’s deeply personal and engaging style, blending memoir, cultural criticism, and literary analysis. Unlike more academic studies of influence like Harold Bloom’s “The Anxiety of Influence,” Lethem embraces a playful, almost rebellious approach, challenging traditional notions of originality and authorship. He aligns himself with writers like Lewis Hyde (“The Gift”) who champion the gift economy of art and ideas, emphasizing the communal and collaborative nature of creativity. However, Lethem’s focus on postmodern and genre fiction, particularly science fiction, sets him apart from critics like James Wood, whose emphasis on realist tradition leads to disagreements on the value of genre and postmodern aesthetics. While Wood champions a clear delineation between “high” and “low” culture, Lethem advocates for a more fluid and inclusive understanding of literary value, finding artistic merit in the fringes of pop culture and championing the “ecstasy of influence” as a democratizing force.

Reflection

Lethem’s “The Ecstasy of Influence” is a compelling and provocative exploration of artistic influence and cultural memory. His central argument, that creative work is inherently derivative and built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, challenges traditional notions of originality and authorship, offering a more democratic and inclusive view of artistic creation. This idea resonates deeply in our current age of digital remixing and online collaboration, where the lines between original content and appropriation become increasingly blurred. However, Lethem’s sometimes romantic view of “pop culture” and his dismissal of certain genres and artists based on their perceived commercial success could be seen as subjective and potentially limiting. His critiques of copyright law, while thought-provoking, might oversimplify the complexities of intellectual property rights. Nonetheless, the book’s strength lies in its deeply personal and engaging style, its willingness to grapple with complex questions about art and creativity, and its celebration of the joy of discovering and reimagining the work of others. It serves as a valuable reminder that influence is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as an essential element of the creative process.

Flashcards

What is the “ecstasy of influence”?

All creative work is inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles. Lethem embraces this idea as a positive and essential aspect of creativity.

How does Lethem view the role of “pop culture” in contemporary art?

He encourages artists to engage with the abundance of material found in popular culture, seeing it as a rich source of inspiration.

How does Lethem challenge the traditional distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture?

He champions artists working in genres like science fiction, comic books, and crime writing, arguing for a more inclusive and democratic understanding of culture.

How does Lethem reflect on his personal journey as a writer?

He describes his own experiences navigating the world of publishing and literary criticism, offering insights into the challenges of finding one’s voice and managing expectations.

He argues for a more open and collaborative approach to cultural production, emphasizing the social and ethical implications of intellectual property rights.

Who is the author of “The Ecstasy of Influence”?

Jonathan Lethem

What are the main themes explored in “The Ecstasy of Influence”?

He explores the creative process, the nature of art, and the role of the artist in contemporary society.

What is the “ecstasy of influence”?

All creative work is inherently derivative, built upon a foundation of borrowed ideas, themes, and styles. Lethem embraces this idea as a positive and essential aspect of creativity.

How does Lethem view the role of “pop culture” in contemporary art?

He encourages artists to engage with the abundance of material found in popular culture, seeing it as a rich source of inspiration.

How does Lethem challenge the traditional distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture?

He champions artists working in genres like science fiction, comic books, and crime writing, arguing for a more inclusive and democratic understanding of culture.

How does Lethem reflect on his personal journey as a writer?

He describes his own experiences navigating the world of publishing and literary criticism, offering insights into the challenges of finding one’s voice and managing expectations.

He argues for a more open and collaborative approach to cultural production, emphasizing the social and ethical implications of intellectual property rights.

Who is the author of “The Ecstasy of Influence”?

Jonathan Lethem

What are the main themes explored in “The Ecstasy of Influence”?

He explores the creative process, the nature of art, and the role of the artist in contemporary society.