This was great. So often sitting at my desk (ten metres from my bed) even seems too much effort so I just work sat in bed. Some days (rarely) I get as far as leaving the house...
Found this video while watching 'Day in the life' videos of other PHD students. I'm incredibly happy that I did. Thank you for the sheer gold comedy. Subscribed.
You know gadamer never wrote his phd until he was this age that literally merged into a book that's an antithesis of doing a phd in a program. I did some serious research prior to being able to advance into one. Never actually read his academic version.
I'll let you in on a secret. The topic of my research is the idea of escapism. It was a key concept in my MA thesis too. Two weeks ago my supervisor spent two minutes looking at his shoes, then he looked at me and went "look, Mattia, it's all fantastic. But it's not pronounced e'scapism. It's esca'pism." IT WAS A SAD MOMENT
Thank you for the video. I am currently applying to Ph.D. programs in literature, but I have a big question that I've been too afraid to ask anyone: For what purpose do we analyze literature? What concrete impact do we have on the world? Engineers build structures and innovate commodities that hopefully make our lives better. Accountants and economists impact financial situations. I'm serious: What do we do? Teach? Write books? Change hearts? Ideas?
Literature is a beautiful thing and beautiful things deserve to be preserved, cultivated and studied. (Literature in particular, as an art form based entirely on language, never stops telling us things about ourself - since language is what we use for pretty much everything; also, there's the idea that Reading Is Good For You, as it puts you into contact with different points of view and teaches you the most important lesson of all: stuff is complicated. This is a little besides the point though). It is a rare splendid thing that in a messed-up world such as ours, most nations in the world still consider the preservation and study of beautiful things a legit pursuit. If you ask me, given you are motivated by a genuine passion, then spending a few years working as a curator of beautiful things is always a valid pursuit, whether you move on to do that for life, or whether all you'll ever have to show for it is a dissertation that ten people in the whole world will read. (Putting more importance on quantity over quality is a perversion of our culture). If you ask me it's as simple as that; you're not saving the world, but you're doing your part to preserve and extend the life of something beautiful. BUT I'm kind of an aesthete on such matters, and of course other people will tell you that the study of literature serves a political purpose. Ultimately, I think each of us has different answers to that question, but the fact that many of us study this stuff even though we don't have all those answers already says something about the fact that the stuff itself is worth studying. If you're interested in the topic, I highly recommend reading Umberto Eco's How to Write a Thesis. Besides handing out priceless practical advice, Eco talks extensively about the role of the university in today's world, and about why studying art is a good thing - in a very simple and balanced way and without advancing any claim to heroism.
Grazie mille! You have no idea what your words mean to me. I’ve always had a passion for words and the impact they have in the hearts of people. Where I come from, the preservation of this beauty is small, and I feel only handful of people can see its value. Explaining to my community why I’ve chosen this path has been frustrating, and at times, humiliating. Even my professors somewhat advised against this path. Still, I love what literature has done for me, and I want to pass it on to more hearts. As you mentioned, literature challenges our very selves, and it makes us less ignorant to the world, and the different people living in it. Thank you for your response, and I will definitely read Eco’s How to Write a Thesis. I wish for you all the best, and let us always strive in our endeavors to preserve and share the beauty of literature!
It is indeed unwieldy, but I think you're going to love "Building Stories." One small suggestion: if you're girlfriend is interested in reading it, too, carve out time when you can hang out together and read it at the same time. Divvy up the pile of things and pass them back and forth. Depending on where you start in the story, your notion of who the story is even about (the woman, the mother, the building, the...bee?) completely varies; it can be fun to compare notes throughout. Plus, because of the range of emotions in the book, you'll be having these interesting moments where one of you is laughing out loud while the other is starting to tear up at the same time. It's really good, is what I'm trying to say.
Hi Mattia, thank you so much for making the video. I recently started my PhD seminars, so this video is very relatable. I noticed that you carry a journal or a planner for your readings. Could you please share with us tips on organizing? I tend to get distracted by other books instead of doing research. Again, thanks a lot. Jey from Algeria.
of course, I'd love to hear Mattia's ideas, but I personally [a lowly undergrad] have found a lot of success using what they call the Bullet Journal in a graph-paper notebook. But then again, my workload is light enough to keep it to a week per page, rather than on a per day basis. And what's great about the bullet journal is that it's infinitely customizable for your needs; just a matter of looking at other people's layouts to see what might work best for you :)
Same. I might set up not so much a "schedule" as an inquiry to how many days a month I actually crack open a book, because I have a feeling it's a lot rarer than I think... which is sad. Really haven't been in the mood for it of late. Maybe when I'm back in classes come January I'll get my mojo back? hahaha, it's worth hoping, I guess.
It's nothing sensible or complicated really - I just note down the stuff I have to read before my next supervision, divided into categories ("primary sources", "intertextuality", "implied reader" etc), and I work at it a text at a time. I try to tackle one full category before moving to the next, rather than reading a bit here and a bit there, but that's as far as my organization goes. Also, I keep primary sources for last, but that's also because they are almost all re-readings. Good luck with your efforts man and do follow Vrixton's suggestions, he seems way more organized than me :D
Is hilarious, remeber me a character from the movie What we do in the shadows. Your channel is great I listen to you while Im working in other boring stuff like engineering. You should read 2666 from Bolaño. This is the only good channel about the topics I care and with a great sense of humor, keep doing this amazing job and regards from Chile.
I think its just a reaction to the PhD. People usually never go for anything beyond grad (and many people undergrad) school so there's a lot of confusion as to what PhD students actually do. Do they get regular assignments like undergrads or is their stuff self paced? There's a lot more questions in better detail but thats something i used to wonder.
I am from Kerala. I was hoping to do a Masters and PhD in the UK. I don't know if it's worth it. But the thing is, I don't know anything about research or the education system in English, which is not my native language. However, English is easier and less complicated.
Hii,so from where u have been doing ur phd in literature? How is the scope for phd in "gender studies,feminism and sexuality" comparative literature there? I will be so obliged for your response.
American Literature is just a genre of literature focused on fiction like philosophy unless you study history. PhD is good for teaching. A better career would be Literature in Political science.
Hi there! I'm actually preparing to do my Phd in abroad. I know this unusual, but you would consider chatting over skype or something to talk about certain things regarding the application process, the life of a phd student and just your overall experience regarding this subject? I promise I'm not a weirdo or a serial killer 🤚
I'm really too busy these days for any Skype (I rarely even talk to my parents on there ^^) but I know how confusing the application process and all can be - just leave me a message on GoodReads or twitter or here and I'll reply as soon as I can ;)
Teach in colleges and universities. (Or do any other type of humanities/language-graduate job - HR, translation, editorial, educational - although in these cases the PhD was arguably superfluous).
Hi I need some explaining on subjects that been on my mind I'm from iran and I want to study English literature in canada/usa/uk (since their main language is English so they will teach it the best way possible) My dream is to be a literature professor, to become someone who teaches English literature to people who are passionate as me (and along the way, maybe write a book!) *but* I'm scared, my grades are great and my family/relatives/friends wants me to go to medicine major because and I quote 'You make lots of money and you don't have to be worry about debts/losing job/living normal or poor' I'm torn apart right now Between choosing *my passion* and *very good life*!!!!! They say: you can't make enough money or you can't find job in your country, other countries may suffer same issues as here! *I don't know what to do!*
It's a question as old as time my friend! I think no one can really tell you what to do; you'll have to decide by yourself. A few considerations that may help: - It is true that jobs in academia are scarce; it's very difficult to become a literature professor in Europe, and I think the US are roughly the same. Me and my PhD friends know full well that it may not be possible for all of us to get a position, at least not anytime soon. This is not to discourage you - I do think that someone who's passionate about literature should pursue teaching as a career! - but it's good to know your odds. - If you do go to study abroad, look into scuring scholarships, which will help you vastly with your living expenses and paying your tuition fees. Also, while it makes sense for you to want to study in the UK or North America, consider the rest of Europe too - France, Germany and Italy have some astounding English Literature departments, as do many other European countries, and University (and the cost of living too) are so much cheaper in continental Europe than in the UK, let alone in the US. - Finally, would you like the idea of being a doctor? Because if you're going to study medicine you'll have to study hard for many years, and do lots of intern work before you move to a well-paid position. It's a very hard career path and I would only recommend it if you are really committed to it!
The_Bookchemist my high school grades are great, so my family thinks I should be a doctor BUT I'm scared that my performance in college will become low since I *expecting* my books to be boring as hell (I don't really care about human structure or what's the virus's name!) I love foreign literatures, they are very wonderful and entertaining! I like to teach people about literatures, other countries books and mythologies and I like to read as many as I can Since childhood till now, I would write long stories, read books (especially mythologies) It's my *passion* But I'm scared of being jobless after I graduate I'm scared of hearing 'I told you so' This year is a big step for me to choose my major but I don't know what to do!
very amusing especially the beginning. you have great sense of humour.
"This is a bit much for today. I think I need to lie down for a second" Me always.
This was great. So often sitting at my desk (ten metres from my bed) even seems too much effort so I just work sat in bed. Some days (rarely) I get as far as leaving the house...
Found this video while watching 'Day in the life' videos of other PHD students. I'm incredibly happy that I did. Thank you for the sheer gold comedy. Subscribed.
This was really good in closing the gap of understanding between common humans and literature phds. Thank you for the sociological experiment!
This was hilarious, you have almost my exact kind of humor damn
hahahha yes indeed an emergency poem analysis I love it.
The sarcastic energy in this video is amazing
Well, you have convinced me to pursue a life in academia studying literature!! :D
Just found this. Very funny and recognizable, Ah, the PhD years...
"I do have a gf" I love your humour!
😆 very funny, good luck with your studies and stay safe in these unprecedented times. 👍🏼
This is my favorite video on UA-cam and I watch it at least annually.
:D
You know gadamer never wrote his phd until he was this age that literally merged into a book that's an antithesis of doing a phd in a program. I did some serious research prior to being able to advance into one. Never actually read his academic version.
Haha! The Chris Ware bit is hilarious! I wish I would dare to unpack it someday!
You’re a hoot; very funny! Thank you for sharing!
Loved the big "thunk" that hit just as you said the postman died!
Watching a ton of PhD vlogs to keep me motivated through my Alevels 😅 Love your sense of humour!
(kind of remind me of Ted from Wong Fu Productions!)
That getting out of bed moment 😂😂😂
you are awesome. i feel like we are friends just by watching your videos. thank you for existing, you always put me onto the best books!
Love your pronunciation of the word gist !
In England we pronounce it jist
I'll let you in on a secret. The topic of my research is the idea of escapism. It was a key concept in my MA thesis too. Two weeks ago my supervisor spent two minutes looking at his shoes, then he looked at me and went "look, Mattia, it's all fantastic. But it's not pronounced e'scapism. It's esca'pism." IT WAS A SAD MOMENT
lucian green Until I was about 13 I pronounced "fugitive" with a short "u," hard "g," and long "i," "fuggeetive". and I'm a born English speaker!
You crack me up, this was hilarious!
Thank you for the video. I am currently applying to Ph.D. programs in literature, but I have a big question that I've been too afraid to ask anyone: For what purpose do we analyze literature? What concrete impact do we have on the world? Engineers build structures and innovate commodities that hopefully make our lives better. Accountants and economists impact financial situations. I'm serious: What do we do? Teach? Write books? Change hearts? Ideas?
Literature is a beautiful thing and beautiful things deserve to be preserved, cultivated and studied. (Literature in particular, as an art form based entirely on language, never stops telling us things about ourself - since language is what we use for pretty much everything; also, there's the idea that Reading Is Good For You, as it puts you into contact with different points of view and teaches you the most important lesson of all: stuff is complicated. This is a little besides the point though). It is a rare splendid thing that in a messed-up world such as ours, most nations in the world still consider the preservation and study of beautiful things a legit pursuit.
If you ask me, given you are motivated by a genuine passion, then spending a few years working as a curator of beautiful things is always a valid pursuit, whether you move on to do that for life, or whether all you'll ever have to show for it is a dissertation that ten people in the whole world will read. (Putting more importance on quantity over quality is a perversion of our culture). If you ask me it's as simple as that; you're not saving the world, but you're doing your part to preserve and extend the life of something beautiful.
BUT I'm kind of an aesthete on such matters, and of course other people will tell you that the study of literature serves a political purpose. Ultimately, I think each of us has different answers to that question, but the fact that many of us study this stuff even though we don't have all those answers already says something about the fact that the stuff itself is worth studying.
If you're interested in the topic, I highly recommend reading Umberto Eco's How to Write a Thesis. Besides handing out priceless practical advice, Eco talks extensively about the role of the university in today's world, and about why studying art is a good thing - in a very simple and balanced way and without advancing any claim to heroism.
Grazie mille! You have no idea what your words mean to me. I’ve always had a passion for words and the impact they have in the hearts of people. Where I come from, the preservation of this beauty is small, and I feel only handful of people can see its value. Explaining to my community why I’ve chosen this path has been frustrating, and at times, humiliating. Even my professors somewhat advised against this path. Still, I love what literature has done for me, and I want to pass it on to more hearts. As you mentioned, literature challenges our very selves, and it makes us less ignorant to the world, and the different people living in it. Thank you for your response, and I will definitely read Eco’s How to Write a Thesis. I wish for you all the best, and let us always strive in our endeavors to preserve and share the beauty of literature!
lmfao at the "Phds sleep fully clothed"
Love the Morning Glory mug
Please do a video of what a PhD student eats for meals. And review each meal
It is indeed unwieldy, but I think you're going to love "Building Stories." One small suggestion: if you're girlfriend is interested in reading it, too, carve out time when you can hang out together and read it at the same time. Divvy up the pile of things and pass them back and forth. Depending on where you start in the story, your notion of who the story is even about (the woman, the mother, the building, the...bee?) completely varies; it can be fun to compare notes throughout. Plus, because of the range of emotions in the book, you'll be having these interesting moments where one of you is laughing out loud while the other is starting to tear up at the same time.
It's really good, is what I'm trying to say.
This was great! Love your vlog!
I can imagine you as a successful professor now! made me good😍❤️
This is so accurate it hurts
You nailed it, B.C. Keep on. -L
This was hilarious! Thanks for making this video :)
Going to forward this to some people!
Lol "sacrifice your social and sanity" 😂Yelp PhD work will call for sacrifices. As a PhD student all I do is work, read and type.
omg i luv the donut comforter
Haha, haven't laughed this much at a video in awhile. Have you seen Paul Giamatti's short video about Balzac's fifty cups of coffee per day?
Now I have! Lol :D
Hi Mattia, thank you so much for making the video. I recently started my PhD seminars, so this video is very relatable. I noticed that you carry a journal or a planner for your readings. Could you please share with us tips on organizing? I tend to get distracted by other books instead of doing research. Again, thanks a lot.
Jey from Algeria.
of course, I'd love to hear Mattia's ideas, but I personally [a lowly undergrad] have found a lot of success using what they call the Bullet Journal in a graph-paper notebook. But then again, my workload is light enough to keep it to a week per page, rather than on a per day basis. And what's great about the bullet journal is that it's infinitely customizable for your needs; just a matter of looking at other people's layouts to see what might work best for you :)
Thank you! I would definitely try that out. It's time to put a saddle on my wild chaotic reading routine.
Same. I might set up not so much a "schedule" as an inquiry to how many days a month I actually crack open a book, because I have a feeling it's a lot rarer than I think... which is sad. Really haven't been in the mood for it of late. Maybe when I'm back in classes come January I'll get my mojo back? hahaha, it's worth hoping, I guess.
It's nothing sensible or complicated really - I just note down the stuff I have to read before my next supervision, divided into categories ("primary sources", "intertextuality", "implied reader" etc), and I work at it a text at a time. I try to tackle one full category before moving to the next, rather than reading a bit here and a bit there, but that's as far as my organization goes. Also, I keep primary sources for last, but that's also because they are almost all re-readings. Good luck with your efforts man and do follow Vrixton's suggestions, he seems way more organized than me :D
"Congratulation Chris Ware you sick fuck"
:DDDD
Haha seeing this, thankfully I did not pursue a PhD in Lit! 'I do have a girlfriend' sounds like pure fiction though. Yah hilarious!
So funny! Great video!
Very amusing stuff. You kinda remind me of Ralph from Ed ,Edd, Eddy; but just an older version obviously :D
I want to know more about PhD ... please make more videoes.
I loved this. :) I really hope no one is messing with your moka pot.
Is hilarious, remeber me a character from the movie What we do in the shadows. Your channel is great I listen to you while Im working in other boring stuff like engineering. You should read 2666 from Bolaño. This is the only good channel about the topics I care and with a great sense of humor, keep doing this amazing job and regards from Chile.
Will read it next year for sure man! I've heard great things about that book
1:22 No coffee in the cup!! Lol
the pudding is awesome. the pudding is perfect.
(I am just finding this. I love it!)
Long Live The_Bookchemist!
I'm a neuroscience PhD and I had to unbox Building Stories *on my weekend.* Slightly jealous you get paid to read and save poets in dire emergencies.
I do Psychology PhD and I get the exact same reaction :')
I think its just a reaction to the PhD. People usually never go for anything beyond grad (and many people undergrad) school so there's a lot of confusion as to what PhD students actually do. Do they get regular assignments like undergrads or is their stuff self paced? There's a lot more questions in better detail but thats something i used to wonder.
I love this. You are so funny
Some day some literary historian'll write on this upcoming period of US lit. as *The Trump Era*. Wonder what it'll be characterized by?
Do you still wonder ?
You're so awkward, I LOVE IT!!!😂
Ridiculous fish shaped crackers 😂😂packaging looks nice God hilarious 🤣😂😂😂😂😂
Very thrilling life.
far less fry cooking then I imagined
People always ask me.. SO U WANNA BE A TEACHER?! *roll my eyes!
Dang, I'm a PhD canidate and I didn't even know it
I liked this but it doesn't seem enough, so I'll give it a magnificent. How do I give it a magnificent, where do I click?
I am from Kerala. I was hoping to do a Masters and PhD in the UK. I don't know if it's worth it. But the thing is, I don't know anything about research or the education system in English, which is not my native language. However, English is easier and less complicated.
oh, god the water. you must be down south.
Thank you!!
This video is enjoyable.
I see you have stuck the "S." sticker from the Abrams book on the back of your laptop. I have it on my work table ;)
Hii,so from where u have been doing ur phd in literature?
How is the scope for phd in "gender studies,feminism and sexuality" comparative literature there?
I will be so obliged for your response.
02:53
(but first I have to check what hand ER).. can you please tell me what this means?...................cool video:-) ..............
What a sense of humour!
I loved this so much :'(
hilarious original content nice job :))
This was so funny. I cant wait for grad school
Great video? is there gonna be a review of Jonathan Safran Foer new novel- "here I am"?
Highly unlikely! I am not the biggest JSF fan out there and I've read his last book is quite gigantic :P
American Literature is just a genre of literature focused on fiction like philosophy unless you study history. PhD is good for teaching.
A better career would be Literature in Political science.
It is now four years
Is it finished?!
Yeah :)
Lol this was brilliant!!
haha this whole thing cracked me up
This was great man, touche' (-:
you study American lit in England? what country are you from? You are funny! I found about you when I looked up "Kavalier and Clay"
Hi there! I'm actually preparing to do my Phd in abroad. I know this unusual, but you would consider chatting over skype or something to talk about certain things regarding the application process, the life of a phd student and just your overall experience regarding this subject? I promise I'm not a weirdo or a serial killer 🤚
I'm really too busy these days for any Skype (I rarely even talk to my parents on there ^^) but I know how confusing the application process and all can be - just leave me a message on GoodReads or twitter or here and I'll reply as soon as I can ;)
haha.....this day was more like a day in the life of Kafka...!!!!
You made her up!
Omg. You are so hilarious!
Bro , I want to pursue Ph.d in Europe. I don't have any idea.
If working in Academia doesn't pan out you should definitely consider comedy.
It is the life.
what is the use of lit phd
Sir, how many of you got stipend.... I am from India
But what can you do with a PhD in literature after you graduate? 0_o
Teach in colleges and universities. (Or do any other type of humanities/language-graduate job - HR, translation, editorial, educational - although in these cases the PhD was arguably superfluous).
Hi I need some explaining on subjects that been on my mind
I'm from iran and I want to study English literature in canada/usa/uk (since their main language is English so they will teach it the best way possible)
My dream is to be a literature professor, to become someone who teaches English literature to people who are passionate as me (and along the way, maybe write a book!)
*but*
I'm scared, my grades are great and my family/relatives/friends wants me to go to medicine major because and I quote
'You make lots of money and you don't have to be worry about debts/losing job/living normal or poor'
I'm torn apart right now
Between choosing *my passion* and *very good life*!!!!!
They say: you can't make enough money or you can't find job in your country, other countries may suffer same issues as here!
*I don't know what to do!*
It's a question as old as time my friend! I think no one can really tell you what to do; you'll have to decide by yourself. A few considerations that may help:
- It is true that jobs in academia are scarce; it's very difficult to become a literature professor in Europe, and I think the US are roughly the same. Me and my PhD friends know full well that it may not be possible for all of us to get a position, at least not anytime soon. This is not to discourage you - I do think that someone who's passionate about literature should pursue teaching as a career! - but it's good to know your odds.
- If you do go to study abroad, look into scuring scholarships, which will help you vastly with your living expenses and paying your tuition fees. Also, while it makes sense for you to want to study in the UK or North America, consider the rest of Europe too - France, Germany and Italy have some astounding English Literature departments, as do many other European countries, and University (and the cost of living too) are so much cheaper in continental Europe than in the UK, let alone in the US.
- Finally, would you like the idea of being a doctor? Because if you're going to study medicine you'll have to study hard for many years, and do lots of intern work before you move to a well-paid position. It's a very hard career path and I would only recommend it if you are really committed to it!
The_Bookchemist my high school grades are great, so my family thinks I should be a doctor BUT I'm scared that my performance in college will become low since I *expecting* my books to be boring as hell (I don't really care about human structure or what's the virus's name!)
I love foreign literatures, they are very wonderful and entertaining!
I like to teach people about literatures, other countries books and mythologies and I like to read as many as I can
Since childhood till now, I would write long stories, read books (especially mythologies)
It's my *passion*
But I'm scared of being jobless after I graduate
I'm scared of hearing 'I told you so'
This year is a big step for me to choose my major but I don't know what to do!
Merdas it’s very obvious what you shouldn’t do. You can’t force yourself to do something you don’t like. It will never work out.
You are one funny dude!!
where are you from ? you have a very Polish accent :) i'm secretly planning on doing my phd in american literature too :)
I'm Italian! And good luck with your PhD!
It’s been 3 years have you gotten your PHD & was it worth it?
I did! It was!
@@TheBookchemist Congratulations 🥳🎉🥳
This was hilarious!
I like his accent.
someone, Failed because put comma between subject and verb
hahahaha.. you are awesome
What kind of person wake up from bed and start talking lol😅
I so relate to this
LMFAO this is gold
You're absolutely right; getting a PhD in literature is ridiculous.
I just can't stop laughing! xD
what happened to you bro after Phd?