Locke believed every individual was capable of rational thought, and wanted to understand how individuals came to their beliefs.

Aristotle's system of thought, which defined and categorized the world, gave humans the ability to discuss and debate with common references. But it was flawed in that it defined classifications as immutable and unchanging.

While I find this essay goes a bit into alarmism in places, I do appreciate how it communicates the importance of long-form reading in the intellectual and social advancement of civilization. I appreciate the idea that the written word is a cognitive prosthesis that can enhance our intellectual capabilities beyond what was capable during the era of oral traditions. Screens have demonstrated the same potential, but the flood of highly addictive screen-content junk-food seems so much more destructive than the pulp novels of the past.