Poetic Faith: Culture + Subcreation w/r/t Religion

“In this idea originated the plan of the "Lyrical Ballads"; in which it was agreed, that my endeavours should be directed to persons and characters supernatural, or at least romantic; yet so as to transfer from our inward nature a human interest and a semblance of truth sufficient to procure for these shadows of imagination that willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, which constitutes poetic faith. Mr. Wordsworth, on the other hand, was to propose to himself as his object, to give the charm of novelty to things of every day, and to excite a feeling analogous to the supernatural, by awakening the mind's attention from the lethargy of custom, and directing it to the loveliness and the wonders of the world before us; an inexhaustible treasure, but for which, in consequence of the film of familiarity and selfish solicitude we have eyes, yet see not, ears that hear not, and hearts that neither feel nor understand.” (Samuel T. Coleridge, Biographia Literaria)

For the second year now, my wife and I have used the book-exchange model as an alternative to traditional gift giving at Marnie’s birthday party.

For parents who grow weary of the tedium and excess of watching a 6-yr-old unwrap a dozen or more gifts, this elegantly solves the problem. ”No gifts” never seems to work (people bring gifts anyway, and then the ones that don’t feel like chumps).

Also, aside from satisfying my half-hearted hipster anti-consumerism, the kids actually enjoy the process. Plus, we don’t have to give out goodie bags or write thank-you notes afterward.

As long as your kid is up for it (which Marnie is), it’s all upside.

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