After skimming over the Lanham stuff the thing that stuck out to me was the idea that new technology makes it possible to change scale of information, be it a book, letter, painting or anything else you can see on the screen. I think there is a lot of value in experiencing something more tangible in the way it's creator intended it. Every book, unless part of a volume, is different. I never judge a book by it's cover, but I do like analyzing and admiring it. To see a famous painting on a 17" monitor is a very different thing that seeing it in person with nothing between it and your eyes but air.
The digitizing of society has also caused a decrease in physical social interaction. The computer and the internet makes it possible for us to stay at home and accomplish a multitude of mundane tasks, such as research, bill paying and shopping. I believe our overall intelligence and understanding of the world around us suffers. We need to get out and inteact with people. We need to make connections with others. That is where real education happens.
Part of me would love to see what would happen if all high technology was taken from mankind. Some people would not be able to function, but everyone would realize how important and permanent physical print and art are. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of new inventions, but we musn't lose our connection with the physical world outside this little box you are currently staring into.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Can't we all just get along?
Humanism is a fascinating idea. Hopefully we all attempt to better our lives and the lives of those around us, but do we actively think in terms of humanism? To say it another way, do we think about how our impact on the world around us can help the overall progress of humanity?
I think every good-natured person in the world is a humanist.
When I think about humanism as a religion, I immediately want to compare it to Christianity, just because it's a big, popular religion that I can relate to. Like any other belief system, Christianity is not without it's flaws, contradictions and practitioners with ulterior motives. I am a "person of faith" without a doubt, but I can see the logic of uniting people under an idea that is more tangible than the belief in a magic man in the sky.
I also think Humanism works against itself more than other belief systems. The advent of numerous technologies over the past 100 years have both progressed mankind and hindered it. Everything is becoming automatic. People are losing the ability to do things manually. I think we deny ourselves the physical and mental exercise we need to really progress as people. But I suppose the argument could go either way...what is more important to mankind; the ability to do something for yourself and expand your horizons, or to do something easier and faster while being less involved.
The ability to write and transfer ideas to others effectively is key to meeting the goals of humanism. No matter what technology comes forth in the future, getting your ideas across starts with putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). I'm always thinking in terms of communicating to the masses, where real changes in thinking can be accomplished. So much depends on today and tomorrow's English teachers to start kids off in the right direction. If students will think about the content of their writing in terms of changing the way people think, then they are already thinking humanisticly. The message doesn't have to be a pleasant one, but if it causes people to progress and better themselves, then the ideals of humanism are being honored.
Sorry if this blog is a little all over the place.
I think every good-natured person in the world is a humanist.
When I think about humanism as a religion, I immediately want to compare it to Christianity, just because it's a big, popular religion that I can relate to. Like any other belief system, Christianity is not without it's flaws, contradictions and practitioners with ulterior motives. I am a "person of faith" without a doubt, but I can see the logic of uniting people under an idea that is more tangible than the belief in a magic man in the sky.
I also think Humanism works against itself more than other belief systems. The advent of numerous technologies over the past 100 years have both progressed mankind and hindered it. Everything is becoming automatic. People are losing the ability to do things manually. I think we deny ourselves the physical and mental exercise we need to really progress as people. But I suppose the argument could go either way...what is more important to mankind; the ability to do something for yourself and expand your horizons, or to do something easier and faster while being less involved.
The ability to write and transfer ideas to others effectively is key to meeting the goals of humanism. No matter what technology comes forth in the future, getting your ideas across starts with putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). I'm always thinking in terms of communicating to the masses, where real changes in thinking can be accomplished. So much depends on today and tomorrow's English teachers to start kids off in the right direction. If students will think about the content of their writing in terms of changing the way people think, then they are already thinking humanisticly. The message doesn't have to be a pleasant one, but if it causes people to progress and better themselves, then the ideals of humanism are being honored.
Sorry if this blog is a little all over the place.
Friday, February 6, 2009
in the year 2000...
I guess I have always given alot of thought to what people are really trying to do when they speak. At a young age I learned very quickly that even the people closest to you can let you down. It made me very careful and attentive. It made me a good judge of character. It made me somwhat guarded. It really made me examine what others say.
I'm not going to be a teacher, but no matter what media field I enter I will always be in the business of selling myself and my skills. There are so many people looking for a handful of jobs that it often comes down to who you know. Getting your name out there with a positive message is crucial. In the movie business, you may be convincing someone to fund your project. In news or sports writing, you are convincing the reader that you and your publication are the best and most reliable source of information.
I'm not going to be a teacher, but no matter what media field I enter I will always be in the business of selling myself and my skills. There are so many people looking for a handful of jobs that it often comes down to who you know. Getting your name out there with a positive message is crucial. In the movie business, you may be convincing someone to fund your project. In news or sports writing, you are convincing the reader that you and your publication are the best and most reliable source of information.
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