What is Canon

 

You know about my travel bucket list, but I am also working on a content bucket list as well. We all have our personal preferences and guilty pleasures when it comes to the entertainment we consume. But I do think there is something to be said about what may be referred to as "canon," which is to say what are the authoritative items in our civilization that one simply must be aware in order to understand our civilization.

And so, while I may gravitate to my individual favs when it comes to books, movies, and TV, I also want to be aware of what is truly "must-consume," and then make intentional effort to get to it. These are, after all, by definition, the stories that define our age, and to not know them is to miss a little of what our age means.

This summer may afford me the opportunity to curate, finalize, and publish my take on what these items are. Although I suspect that, not only will there be new entrants every year, but I will invariably miss older stuff and need to add it to the list. So, even if I do put it out there, you must consider it an evolving, fluid thing.

You may wonder why I'm limiting myself to books, movies, and TV? Music is probably the most glaring omission, since music absolutely defines an era. One can argue the same for theater, visual arts, and speeches. I may get there, because I don't disagree. But I feel like I'll have my hands full with just books, movies, and TV. 

At any rate, I welcome your suggestions and invite you to join me in the consumption. Let's get to it!