"Books enlarge us by giving direct access to experiences not our own. In order for this to work, however, we need a certain type of silence, an ability to filter out the noise. Such a state is increasingly elusive in our over-networked culture, in which every rumor and mundanity is blogged and tweeted. Today, it seems it is not contemplation we seek but an odd sort of distraction masquerading as being in the know."
—Los Angeles Times book reviewer David L. Ulin
[latimes.com, 8/9/09]
"Facebook is part of the larger electronic phenomenon deemed social networking, which includes text messaging, Twitter, e-mail, blogging, and so forth—all of which are said to herald a new day in human interaction. But let's stick to Facebook as the prime example and admit that, in the end, Facebook actually sabotages our ability to genuinely connect with others. … While the popularity of Facebook facilitates broad connectivity, I believe it does so at the expense of intimacy. Intimacy is what we really want. But because we are lazy and fearful creatures, we'll settle for connectivity, because connectivity suggests intimacy but without all the bother."
—Christianity Today senior managing editor Mark Galli
"Mystery, obviously, is everywhere. Is there a God? Mystery. What about life after death? Mystery. … Stonehenge? Big Foot? Loch Ness? Mystery mystery mystery. … And yet: For all that mystery, why does it feel like the world has been ripped open, all parts exposed? Why does so much seem absolutely and thoroughly demystified? These days we can leap, all of us, from a casual curiosity about anything to a sense of satisfying understanding. Instantly. Want to fold origami? There are more than 200,000 Google results on that subject available to you, now. Need to know the capital of Mauritania? A recipe for sticky buns? How to pick a bicycle lock? … What I'm getting at is hardly news to anyone: We're smack dab in the middle of the Age of Immediacy. True understanding (or skill or effort) has become bothersome—an unnecessary headache that impedes our ability to get on with our lives (and most likely skip to something else)."
—television and movie producer/director/writer J.J. Abrams
1 comment:
so Ruth...I liked your posting about our instant/constant communication that is somewhat superficial....reminds me of words from Jim Huston of Regents College
who gave a series of talks here years ago...when he said God wants us to take time to contemplate Him...He designed nature and silence to help...but we Americans have NOISE all the time ...He said that actually BUSINESS was moral sloth...the easy way to spend our time...Contemplation was the difficult work.AB
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