The public-lecture culture

The public-lecture culture

We live in a culture that values participation over ability: the lecture culture. (9) ________ is our apparent obsession with broadcasting our own opinions that, in future, lectures will be replaced by microphones in every room, so that we can hear (10) ________ endlessly on podcasts. In the countless talks that fill our evening schedules, (11) ________ audience has become the star. The public make speeches, the public participate in debates, the public become lecturers. Anybody (12) ________ do it! But there is a world of difference between enjoying something and joining in. If we all join in, (13) ________ is the point of scholars or experts? If everything is accessible, (14) ________ can be no mystery, no mystique. I love listening to a scholar and learning from, or even just appreciating, his or her skill. (15) ________ assume then that I can “have a go at” their subject (16) ________ be monstrous impudence on my part.