What Nature reveals

Nature tells us that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a myriad of living things.  These things range from the microscopic to the gigantic. They are complex, detailed and interdependent. Though we as humans are able to consider these qualities and are able to describe the principles upon which they function, we are not able to do much more than manipulate the forces and matter around us. And even that has its limitations. So we can track the great weather changes across the globe, we are unable to stop the hurricane from its destructive path. We suppose that butterfly wings in Japan can influence the sands in the deserts of Tunisia, and still these small influences with monumental consequences happen without our consent. If we consider the power and complexity of our own minds in light of the complexity and power of nature we must conclude that a greater mind is at work. It is our task not only to learn how to harmonize with the world of nature, but more importantly to seek the mind of the creator of such a vast and awesome world. In essence, we must recognize our humble estate.

education and creativity

As I consider the future of education I have been impressed with Sir Ken Robinson's TED talks.  He has excellent insight into the outmoded nature of present education.  More than a scathing critique, Robinson makes a strong case for the importance of creativity. The need for creativity is essential not only to meet the needs of the future (which we can't even calculate) but more importantly it is essential for the health of the individual.
The thing about creativity is that we as humans are created for it. We have a unique capability for it.  Of all the animals, we alone have the capacity for abstraction. It is this ability to see what is not there, to use our understanding of the concrete world and extrapolate.  We can imagine that which does not yet exist and with proper thought and discipline, we can make it manifest.  And surprisingly, it brings delight.  And delight is good for the soul.http://www.ted.com/playlists/124/ken_robinson_10_talks_on_educ.html

three D?

As I prepare to write a research paper for the film class I am in, I am wondering about the nature of the experience itself. One of the new things on the scene is 3 d. I even saw an ad for 3d tvs in the paper today. I really would like to hear from any of you out there... what you think about the concept? Is it the future (or just a revival of a fifties fad)? What are its limitations? Is it the same as when talkies arrived?

Nate the talking fish

In class the other day we were discussing the way each of us succumbs to the culture in which we live. Master storyteller Chick Bevier had told a trilogy that included an interesting fish tale about Nate the talking fish. Chick explained that because Nate had grown up in water he could not feel the cold or wetness of it. The allegory continued with two other stories, one of which included the dangers of warm fuzzy thinking. It reminded me of the “boiling frog” story that was used many years back to get across the same concept. It got me thinking that the evolutionary approach to life values adaptation as one of its highest values. But I wonder…is adaptation truly the best approach to life or is it important to be countercultural? And for that matter… what does it mean to be countercultural?

A question of priorities

My daughter, Anne, called for advice yesterday. What a nice surprise to find that even after your children leave the nest they still value your input. Here is her dilemma:
She has an opportunity to pursue a long-time dream to learn how to blow glass. (Where the desire came from I am not sure.) The art is not easily (or inexpensively) learned as it requires a blast furnace and various tools and materials unique to the craft. The course costs $500. The problem is that a whole glass of water recently baptized her laptop so that it now may hum and sputter but will need revival or a replacement. Since Anne is fresh out of college and working at her first “real” job and being initiated into the work-a- day world of bills and premiums and repairs and utilities it comes down to a new computer or glass blowing class.
So, in light of recent posts about the encroaching digital world, what do you think? Should she do the class and live without a computer? Is it possible to live without a computer in this day and age?

more musings on Digital/Analog

I say analog is better but why? Thesis: the digital readout is without context. It is easier to read the digital...but... it only gives you what you want. A limited view. Segments of time unrelated to the continuum. Is this existentialism at it’s fullest, its best or worst? Expediency & efficiency driving the culture. What are the implications?
Would this view be popular with out REWIND? Is the fact that one can find a context a true one? Is the context internalized? Can this digital generation see the relationship that the analog clock (i e past present & future…the passing of time and the anticipation of time in the future) in their head?
BOOKS or MOVIES- Jung’s view of symbols comes into play. Now symbols or icons are a linear visual path (movies, tv, computer etc) but who controls the view? Who is the director of the story? How large is the frame?

a face and two hands

My problem with the digital clock is it’s existential nature. It sees itself fixed in each moment without regard to that moment that lives ahead or behind. On the good old dial style analog clock one can see at any moment relationships between the marks upon the face. Half past, quarter til, high noon, five after. These establish us in relation to other moments. We are not isolated but in community. And best of all we can anticipate.

We understand our time, our moments and hours by the company our hands keep. The red readout on the digital clock stands alone and worst of all when the power goes out he flashes off an on at noon and midnight caught between the day and night in a pulsating panic crying out to be renumbered, unable to move on.

Give me a face and two hands and I will be happy. In this digital world to see beyond one's self may be more important than we think. What do you think?