Meaning: The quote "The novel avoids the sublime and seeks out the interesting" by Mason Cooley, a well-known aphorist and academic, encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of literature and the art of storytelling. Cooley's words suggest a deliberate departure from the traditional emphasis on the grand, awe-inspiring, or transcendent in favor of a focus on the intriguing, engaging, and thought-provoking elements of a narrative. This philosophy challenges the conventional notions of what constitutes great literature and encourages a reevaluation of the criteria by which we judge the merit of a novel.

Cooley's assertion of the novel avoiding the sublime rejects the notion that literature must always aim for the lofty or the profound. Instead, he advocates for a shift in perspective that values the power of the everyday, the mundane, and the ordinary. This perspective invites readers to find significance and meaning in the seemingly unremarkable aspects of life, thereby broadening the scope of what can be considered meaningful and worthy of literary exploration.

By seeking out the interesting, Cooley proposes that the novel should prioritize capturing the reader's attention through compelling narratives, characters, and ideas. This emphasis on the interesting suggests a departure from the purely aesthetic or emotional impact of a story to a more intellectually stimulating and engaging approach. It encourages authors to take risks, challenge conventions, and explore unconventional or overlooked subject matter in their work.

Cooley's quote invites reflection on the role of literature in engaging and stimulating the reader's imagination and intellect. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of literary genres and subjects, suggesting that stories rooted in the everyday experiences of ordinary people can be as profound and impactful as those set in grand, exotic, or otherworldly settings. This perspective aligns with the broader movement in literature and criticism towards valuing diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives.

In a practical sense, Cooley's quote encourages writers to break free from the constraints of prescribed literary forms and conventions. It empowers authors to experiment with new narrative structures, storytelling techniques, and thematic explorations, thereby enriching the literary landscape with fresh and innovative works. By embracing the interesting over the sublime, writers are given the freedom to explore unconventional ideas, challenge prevailing norms, and push the boundaries of what is considered literary art.

Moreover, Cooley's assertion can be seen as an invitation to readers to approach literature with an open mind and a willingness to engage with stories that may not fit traditional paradigms of greatness. It encourages readers to seek out narratives that provoke thought, spark curiosity, and offer new perspectives on the human experience. This call to embrace the interesting in literature aligns with the contemporary movement towards diverse and inclusive storytelling, where a wide range of voices and experiences are celebrated and valued.

In conclusion, Mason Cooley's quote "The novel avoids the sublime and seeks out the interesting" challenges conventional notions of literary greatness and invites a reevaluation of the criteria by which we judge the merit of a novel. It encourages writers to explore the everyday, the thought-provoking, and the unconventional, and invites readers to engage with stories that prioritize intellectual stimulation and diverse perspectives. This perspective enriches the literary landscape by expanding the boundaries of what is considered meaningful and worthy of literary exploration.