Can novels really justify their existence in the rapidly moving 21 century? As proven by many writers...

Can novels really justify their existence in the rapidly moving 21 century? As proven by many writers, there's no inherent advantage over writing a novel instead of a short story or a novella. Since out imperfect memory won't be able to withhold 600+ pages of information anyway, only retaining the novel's emotional/intellectual effect, reading long novels seems like an objectively very wasteful idea.

length is the novel's advantage. every other medium is short, except maybe the 'tv show season.' i prefer the short story but it's impossible to imagine it returning to prominence among the reading masses. to many other quick things they can do that don't involve reading.

stop approaching art like a utilitarian.

you're conflating too many nuanced factors of expression here.

Yes, and no. Under the strain of digital media, the novel will polarize. We will see more short story collections/novellas and more bold, massive books. I foresee fewer novels overall, but these exaggerated forms will hold ground relatively well.

I think our culture is also reflexive enough that we will see a resurgence in the popularity/social cachet of reading once the digital conquest really gets going. Sort of like the resurgence of vinyl, but it will be an even stronger statement.

That. If you want to be efficient, do science, not art.

nothing wrong with conjecturing about the sociology of a medium, as long as one steps out of the way when real art is happening

>DUDE ART IS SPECIAL LMAO
Great attitude, but why should art get a special treatment? Art is a field of ideas, just like science, philosophy, psychology, politics etc. What entitles you to be overbearing and bloated? What makes your overbearing and bloated creation superior to these that exercised brevity above all?

This is not about being entitled to anything nor is it about being superior.
Art doesn't solve anything, it's mere expression. Thus it's perfectly senseless to go try and regulate it.

You don't like logorrhoeic novels? Fine man, but don't tell me it's wasteful if I read them. I would agree with OP if that were about a field where "wasting time" would mean loss. But it doesn't.

>>DUDE ART IS SPECIAL LMAO

not special -- different.

i can't tell if you're baiting or just really precocious and naive. either way i can't be bothered.

Why not special, though? I can't see anything bad about calling art special.

Most people do something in order to get something done. Solve problems. Enhance stuff. Improve.
They want neverending growth and are looking for ways to get there.

Most people who do art don't solve anything. They just watch and take notes and add maybe an idea or two and are content with that.