/lit/ - Literature

Why couldn't /lit/ always be like this? Why couldn't /lit/ be a collection of smart (although not genius or special), eloquent posters who know something about literature and philosophy posting theories that although are far fetched and probably not real, are interesting? Why must we be the collection of the most sheeply "pretentious" posters who don't read at all, and only discuss retarded things like the politics of the day to day.
Pic related is Not Bill Murray, or Pynchon, or whatever. I don't think he's Pynchon, he's not that smart to be Pynchon. Anons overrate his theories too much. But he's really interesting and is probably the most knowledgeable person on literature to ever post on this board.
Why couldn't /lit/ be like this? Why must we be so mediocre?