Jason Craig on Our Need for the Virtue of Studiousness

"Will you make it through this article?

"You have been re-programmed in the media-saturated age of consumerism and internet galloping to skim this article. You're here to grab enough of it to sense a completion after reading, perhaps gaining a sense of gained knowledge, maybe feeling part of a tribe or something.

"I've been trained as a 'content' writer to keep this article skimmable (shallow), but with a feel of depth and wisdom, but in a form that - if we're honest - will pass quickly as you move on to the next site. Writing for the internet is a specific gig and has very specific (and effective) rubrics. I believe in the power of the written word, naturally, but I know what's going on here too. . . .

"Lest I seem speak down to you, the reader, let's make sure we acknowledge the dance we're both in.  I make you feel smart by chumming the internet waters with my writing, knowing my niche. You make me feel accomplished by clicking on the article in large numbers. We both move on to the next thing.

"But I'm asking you to stick with me, and to break The System's molds.  Most articles are 'effective' somewhere between 500-1500 words.  Right now, you're less than 300 words in.  Will you make it through the whole 2000 words?"

In a recent essay, writer Jason Craig reflected on the importance of taking time to read and contemplate and on the role of silence as part of the process.

To access Jason's complete essay, please visit:

The Catholic Gentleman: We Need This Virtue Because Screens are Changing Us