Introduction
The Intellectual Devotional by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim is a unique collection of daily readings that exemplifies intellectual eclecticism. By providing short entries organized by subject, covering topics from art to zoology, the book encourages readers to explore a diversity of ideas and fields of knowledge. This eclectic approach reflects the complexity of the modern world and offers an enriching educational experience. In this essay, I will analyze the eclecticism in The Intellectual Devotional and how it engages readers, arguing that the book's wide-ranging content and interdisciplinary nature promote open-minded learning.
A Bestselling Journey into Eclectic Knowledge
First published in 2007, The Intellectual Devotional quickly became a bestseller by bringing an eclectic mix of insights from various domains of knowledge to people’s daily reading routines. The book selects short, accessible passages from both classic and contemporary thinkers, giving readers a taste of diverse subjects from the beauty of opera to the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Interdisciplinary Exploration: Diving into Varied Academic Disciplines
A key aspect of the eclecticism in The Intellectual Devotional is its inclusion of many academic disciplines. For instance, the entry on May 21st covers astronomy, explaining heavenly phenomena like red giants and planetary nebulas (Kidder and Oppenheim 23). Meanwhile, the June 7th reading explores psychology and the human mind through a discussion of confirmation bias from Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow (Kidder and Oppenheim 159). By juxtaposing space science and social science, The Intellectual Devotional exposes readers to a wide spectrum of modern thought.
Across Centuries and Perspectives: The Eclectic Range of Selections
In addition to spanning many fields of study, the eclectic selections in The Intellectual Devotional also range across historical eras. The reading for March 2nd presents a sermon from Puritan theologian Jonathan Edwards while the next day’s passage jumps to a contemporary debate about online privacy from Lawrence Lessig’s Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace (Kidder and Oppenheim 43-45). This diversity of voices and time periods encourages readers to make connections between ideas across centuries of human civilization. The eclecticism provides crucial context for intellectual exploration.
A Disjointed Experience? The Eclecticism Challenge
Some may argue that The Intellectual Devotional's eclecticism results in a disjointed experience, as brief excerpts cannot fully convey complex thoughts and theories. However, the book serves more as an introduction to thinkers and disciplines rather than an exhaustive survey. The eclectic selections pique curiosity and provide starting points for readers to pursue subjects more deeply through further reading and research.
Conclusion
Ultimately, The Intellectual Devotional's unique format reflects the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge itself. By engaging readers through eclectic daily readings, it promotes open and curious habits of mind. This approach proves enriching for anyone seeking to continue learning throughout life.
