I used to be an anime fan. I would watch shitty action animes, then later on it started to make me feel guilty because those types of animes were so meaningless their only purpose was entertainment. I thought I was wasting my time. And they were so repetetive. Later on I decided to start reading again and I have picked litrpg books also action packed historical fiction and fantasy books. I enjoyed particularly Cradle series and Dresden Files. But there was a problem, I was still feeling like I was wasting my time. I was reading only for entertanment. Yes it was fun but my heart didn't feel like it was in the right place. Nowadays I am reading classics. They can be fun sometimes but usually it feels like studying rather than a fun activity. BUT it makes me feel better about myself and after reading I don't feel guilt or I don't feel like I wasted my time. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Do you think am I pretentious? Am I wrong for not prioritizing entertainment? Please help me.
by ExtensionTourist856
3 Comments
I think it would only be pretentious if you were reading classics just to try to impress other people. As long as you feel like you’re getting something out of it that’s worthwhile, and you’re enjoying it, then you shouldn’t worry about it.
And if something is too heavy, you could try something else. There’s quite a few classics that I either put down, or won’t read again, because I wasn’t having a good time.
Your consumption habits matter to no one but yourself. Reading/watching/listening to anything does not make you pretentious or not-pretentious. It’s a just meaningless label. You may learn something new or experience something profound from something perceived to be mindless entertainment. Or you may be left cold by something that other people consider to be essential. The only real waste of time is in seeking validation from strangers on the internet. Just listen to your heart and you will be fine.
Read what you enjoy, and read what makes you happy. Occasionally read something that challenges you, because that makes you more knowledgeable.