Apropos of Something

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Elisa Tamarkin explores the cultural shift around 1800 that introduced the concept of "relevance," transforming how society perceives importance and interest. This historical analysis highlights the challenges of determining value amidst an overwhelming array of information, a dilemma faced by figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and later pragmatists such as William James and John Dewey. The book delves into the impact of relevance on art, literature, and education, examining how seemingly mundane elements become significant in contemporary and historical contexts.