Should You Read Fiction by Authors Whose Political Views You Disagree With?

The question of whether one should read literature penned by authors whose political views one strongly disagrees with or even despises can be a contentious issue. This article aims to explore various perspectives on this topic and provide insights to help readers make informed decisions based on their principles and interests.

What Are The Arguments Against Reading Such Fiction?

Some argue that it is nonsensical to degrade an entire body of work because of the author's political beliefs. For instance, even if one believes Scott Adams is too right-wing, his Dilbert series remains a comedic masterpiece appreciated by many, regardless of differing political views.

Personal Creator Backstories

It's essential to remember that creators’ personal histories and lives often differ significantly from their works. Not all authors have positive life stories. For example, Ernest Hemingway was a nasty drunk and known for his bullying behavior, while Patrick O’Brian left his first family behind, including a disabled child. However, this does not necessarily undermine the artistic value of their works. Similarly, Roberth Heinlein had some far-right views, but his Starship Troopers and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress remain influential in science fiction.

Principles of Appreciation

The principle behind evaluating and appreciating works of art irrespective of the creator's personal life holds strong. If you enjoy a book, movie, or music, there is no need to discard it solely based on the author's political beliefs. You are free to choose whether or not to support the creator financially. If you decide to support them financially, you can do so with peace of mind, knowing that you are not promoting their political agenda.

The Value of Entertaining Literature

The primary purpose of fiction is to entertain and transcend the limitations of one’s political views. Reading fiction penned by creators with whom you vehemently disagree may not be the most enjoyable experience. However, if you're interested in understanding different perspectives and gaining alternative insights, it can be a worthwhile endeavor. Nonetheless, it is wise to limit such readings to avoid overexposure to material that fails to entertain or engage you.

A Sampler of Authors to Consider

Here is a sampling of authors whose work you might find enthralling despite potential disagreements with their political views:

Frank Miller - Known for works like The Dark Knight Returns and 300. H.P. Lovecraft - Classic horror author with works like At the Mountains of Madness. Dorothy Sayers - Writer of the Rhett James series, an excellent detective novel. Flannery O'Connor - Author of the novel Wise Blood and other short stories. Ian Fleming - Creator of the James Bond series. Saul Bellow - Author of Henderson the Rain King. Jorge Luis Borges - Renowned Argentine writer and author of Literary Hoaxes. Joseph R. Tolkien - Creator of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. C.S. Lewis - Famously known for The Chronicles of Narnia. Orson Scott Card - Author of Ender's Game. William Peter Blatty - Creator of The Exorcist. G.K. Chesterton - Christian apologist and writer of The Man Who Was Thursday. Sax Rohmer - Author of the Fu Manchu series. Michael Crichton - Creator of Jurassic Park. Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Russian author with works like The Brothers Karamazov. James Ellroy - Writer of the L.A. Confidential series. Leo Tolstoy - Writer of War and Peace. Robert Frost - Poet, not to be confused with the author of The Quora Man.

Note: The author mentioned Robert Frost the Quoran was a typo and should be treated as a humorous addition in the list.

Conclusion

The decision to read fiction from authors whose political views you disagree with can be made with careful consideration. It is essential to balance your respect for the art of writing with your personal beliefs. If you find a book or a piece of literature entertaining, it is worth giving it a chance. However, if you find it genuinely unenjoyable, it is perfectly acceptable to move on to other sources. Ultimately, the joy and value of reading should not be overshadowed by political differences.