The virtues of escapism

[swamp_lynx]

Originally posted by dfordoom at the virtues of escapism

One of the reasons escapist entertainment is often regarded with derision is the belief that it is equivalent to running away from reality. William Vivian Butler, in his 1973 study of British thrillers The Durable Desperadoes, offers an opposing theory. Butler suggests that by recharging our batteries so to speak escapist entertainment actually enhances out ability to deal with the real world.

I think there may be a good deal to say for this idea.

I also wonder if the reverse may be true - that spending too much time reading realistic novels or watching realistic movies might degrade our capacity for dealing with reality. It might cause a sort of burnout.

Either way it’s food for thought.