Lectura în impas: criza civilizațională și mutațiile culturii scrisului [Articol]

Abstract

This article explores the transformation of reading from a spiritual, contemplative, and formative act into a functional, utility-driven practice, closely linked to broader civilisational shifts. It examines how reading has historically reflected cultural values and societal structures, from scriptoria and royal libraries to today’s hybrid and digital reading environments. The study delves into the concept of a civilisational crisis marked by value fragmentation, digital acceleration, and the erosion of deep reading practices—while also discussing the evolution of writing culture and the materiality of the book. Further, it investigates the socio-technological symptoms of cultural mutation, including the decline of the humanities, the commodification of knowledge, and the risk of cognitive superficiality. In response, the final section proposes a “reading ecology”: reflective reading, pedagogical renewal, and bibliocultural resilience as possible paths forward. By linking civilisational malaise to transformations in the culture of reading, the article argues for the critical role of literature and libraries in preserving human depth amid accelerated change.