Author, poet, and historian Jennifer Michael Hecht has observed that although medical advice even from 100 years ago can be wildly outmoded, expressions of love written two millennia ago can have deep resonance, creating what she calls a “clatter of recognition.” That, she says, is why she turns to art, not science, for answers to life’s most profound questions. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “The Clatter of Recognition in Old Love Poetry”
Grant, as you know, author and essayist and friend of the show, Jennifer Michael Hecht,
Has a PhD in the history of science, but she told an interviewer that she believes deeply
In the power of poetry. She said, if you look at a testimony of love from 2000 years ago,
It can still exactly speak to you, whereas medical advice from only 100 years ago is ridiculous.
And so as a historian, I write poetry. I’m profoundly committed to art as the answer.
Indeed, I don’t put science really as the way I get to any of my answers. It’s just helpful.
It’s poetry that I look to. It’s the clatter of recognition.
Oh, nice.
Isn’t that great, the clatter of recognition?
And I’d never thought about that, about how quickly science ages and how little love does.
Yes.
Yes.
Wow.
Well said.
