espec10001 Posted August 25, 2009 Posted August 25, 2009 Earth revolves, it does not evolve. All of this has happened before, you might know them as the "Dark Ages". But it always comes to pass, our vast Internet and technological advances will all turn back to what they were to begin with: dust. Real human interaction and a higher and truer love will flourish in local communities once the American War Machine (technology) dies. And it will die, it has to.
carhill Posted August 25, 2009 Posted August 25, 2009 IMO, it depends on one's intent. If insulating oneself is the goal, it will assist in that goal. If networking is the goal, then that. If building business and personal relationships is the goal, then that. I personally find 'the computer' and 'the internet' to be a very cost-effective method of reaching other people whom I might never have reached before. What becomes of that reach is up to the people
Author loveslife Posted August 25, 2009 Author Posted August 25, 2009 Earth revolves, it does not evolve. All of this has happened before, you might know them as the "Dark Ages". But it always comes to pass, our vast Internet and technological advances will all turn back to what they were to begin with: dust. Real human interaction and a higher and truer love will flourish in local communities once the American War Machine (technology) dies. And it will die, it has to. espec, I think the answer to many of the issues we're facing today can be fought best on a community-by-community basis. For instance, when communities band together they can create support networks and do things like establish community gardens and farms. It's all the hands-on stuff that people don't "have time for" these days. And I do still see it in some communities, so that's encouraging.
Author loveslife Posted August 25, 2009 Author Posted August 25, 2009 Loveslife, I agree with you much is lost in the virtual world. That is not to say that there are not benefits and wonders associated with our new techie-driven society. But I do think that much of the thoughtful practice and art of engagement has dissipated. I am not that old (28), but I was raised in a family where we wrote letters on paper to everyone. My parents were very good at tempering all the "new stuff" with traditional forms of communication. And they beat it into our brains that we must engage in first-hand contact to understand body language, speech patterns, etc. I recall thinking they were NUTS when I was younger, but as I transitioned into an adult I felt very lucky. Just the ability to hold someone's gaze when in conversation or write letters has served me well, if only to make me stand out from others. I lament the loss of hand-written letters. I still write them to certain friends, and it is one of my favorite activities. It forces us to slow down, think about what we want to write, and learn patience. And there is nothing like receiving a long, well-written letter in the mail. I once wrote a letter for every day that I lived abroad for 9 months. When I returned home, it so touched certain friends and family that I had taken the time to do this. I'll never forget how happy it made them. And, yes, everyone is more disposable these days. This makes me incredibly sad. Well-said. I also try and write letters but the truth is not many of my friends will respond. I have one friend who writes great letters and so she's often the recipient of mine. It's fun. And yes, you have to stop what you're doing to write a letter. There's also the feel of the paper and pen, the choosing of the paper, the focus on communication... I'm glad your parents taught you the value of communication and interaction. I think it makes people happier. For instance, when I lived in a rural community where homes were spread out and people did not do a lot as a community I saw a lot of unhappy people. They stayed insulated and were not generally very friendly (although, of course, there were exceptions.) Now I live in a big city and people interact with others every day. I used to bemoan how crowded it is here, which in part is why I moved away to a quiet community. But now I enjoy being here. People are happier, more courteous and friendlier. I think that has a lot to do with being in each other's faces all the time.
Author loveslife Posted August 25, 2009 Author Posted August 25, 2009 IMO, it depends on one's intent. If insulating oneself is the goal, it will assist in that goal. If networking is the goal, then that. If building business and personal relationships is the goal, then that. I personally find 'the computer' and 'the internet' to be a very cost-effective method of reaching other people whom I might never have reached before. What becomes of that reach is up to the people True enough. And I guess it's about what we value, too.
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