Quid Amo

Quid Amo by James K.A. Smith explores personal growth, the joy of discovering art and literature, and the philosophical underpinnings of teaching and learning. It delves into the emotional impact of books, films, and art, while considering broader themes of history, storytelling, and societal critique.

Personal Growth Art and Literature Appreciation Philosophy of Education Emotional Impact of Creative Works Historical Perspective Storytelling and Society Critique of Capitalism

The hottest Substack posts of Quid Amo

And their main takeaways

Writing is torture and it’s all I want to do

3170 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing process
  1. Writing can be a struggle, but it's also something passionate writers want to do. It's a mix of hard work and joy when ideas flow.
  2. Everyone has their own style of writing. Some writers like to write daily, while others, like binge writers, focus their energy in big bursts around deadlines.
  3. The process of writing can change from book to book. It's important to track progress and allow for discoveries, as these moments can bring great satisfaction.

Fascism lives in the house capitalism built

857 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Fascism is not a fixed idea; it changes over time. Understanding it requires looking at its history and how it adapts to new contexts.
  2. Fascism thrives in moments of crisis and often uses nostalgia to rally support. This means it can appeal to people's feelings about the past to gain power.
  3. Fascism isn't just something separate from capitalism; it's closely linked to it. It can be seen as a reaction to the flaws within capitalist societies, showing that both ideas can coexist.

Dilatasti cor meum

937 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Analysis Book Reviews Cultural Commentary
  1. Reading stories can help us understand other people's lives and feelings. It allows us to see the world from different perspectives.
  2. Tenderness in storytelling is important. Authors can show characters' struggles while still portraying their humanity and capacity for love.
  3. Finding a sense of belonging is essential. We all want to feel loved and accepted, and good books can reflect that longing and offer hope.

Love: Elizabeth ❤️

478 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. The joy of finding heartfelt inscriptions in used books.
  2. A reflection on the impact of poetry and personal connections found in books.
  3. Contemplating the emotions stirred by inscriptions in books, from hope to heartbreak.

The classroom as laboratory: my Philosophy syllabi

378 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. Creating course syllabi is like crafting a journey for students to embark on.
  2. Teaching philosophy is essential for shaping a philosophically-informed society.
  3. Using the classroom as a laboratory allows for testing and learning new ideas with students.
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Quid amo: things I love

677 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
  1. The midlife transition can involve questioning and flipping one's personality script.
  2. Withdrawing from social media can be a way to retreat and focus on inner growth.
  3. Sharing what you love, like books and art, can create community and joy.

Elvis, Homer, and Jimmy Carter

338 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. The mind can make unexpected connections between news articles, songs, and epic poems.
  2. Memories of beloved figures can evoke a sense of heartbroken devotion.
  3. Re-reading classic literature can provide fresh insights and perspectives.

Rabbit trails to delight: an ode to my bookshelves

498 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
  1. Gratitude can be an antidote to negative emotions like resentment and sadness.
  2. Creating a personal, intimate space filled with meaningful items can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Exploring unexpected literary connections can lead to delightful journeys of the mind.

What do we want from our stories?

199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
  1. The film 'American Fiction' raises important questions about the type of stories we want to hear today.
  2. The movie cleverly explores themes of race, storytelling industries, and meta commentary.
  3. It challenges the audience to reflect on issues of representation, market demands, and the complexities of storytelling.

How to fall in love at a museum

259 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. When visiting a museum, be open to surprise and avoid fixating on following guides or maps.
  2. Each visit to a museum is dynamic because you bring new perspectives and experiences each time.
  3. Allow yourself to be grabbed by artworks you didn't come looking for, as they can offer new insights and possibilities.

The critical witness of Phil Klay

219 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
  1. Phil Klay's works offer different perspectives on American war
  2. Klay's writing explores the complexities of war and the involvement of citizens
  3. Klay's Catholic faith influences his sense of justice and understanding of war

Jon Fosse’s Nobel Prize

219 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
  1. Jon Fosse won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
  2. Fosse's novel Septology challenges how we perceive time and consciousness.
  3. Reading Fosse's work encourages contemplative reflection and connection with others.

An immense, strange country: on history

219 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
  1. Peter Brown illustrates the importance of being a perpetual student as a scholar.
  2. Brown's memoir showcases the emergence of the academic field of history known as 'late antiquity.'
  3. Brown emphasizes the value of respecting the strangeness of the past in understanding history.

Crying in front of El Greco

159 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
  1. Art can evoke strong emotions and cause people to cry
  2. Revisiting familiar art can lead to new perspectives and emotions
  3. Personal experiences and emotions can influence how someone perceives art

Paul Schrader’s “Blue Collar” (1978)

99 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
  1. Paul Schrader's film 'Blue Collar' critiques capitalism corrupting everyone.
  2. The movie shows interracial friendship and how capitalism fosters racism.
  3. Schrader's portrayal of working-class struggles is gritty and intense.

Coming soon

19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
  1. Post is about something that is coming soon
  2. Author is James K.A. Smith
  3. There is an option to subscribe to Quid Amo

The pleasures of reading

1 HN point • 09 Sep 23
  1. Reading can be a delightful and immersive experience that offers a break from the surrounding world.
  2. Books provide a unique form of engagement that can transform and transport the reader.
  3. Reading is both a source of pleasure and a form of soul care, satisfying a hunger for knowledge and joy.