We often discuss how technology has made life easy, but easily forget that it has made us overly dependent on it. Think back to the days where there weren't any cell phones, computers, or modern means of transportation. Humans were somewhat restricted due to the unavailability of ways to apply technology into their lives. In fact, we look at this period of history as dismal, and would hate to live in such a time. Life of the common man was of course not as luxurious as that of modern times, but there was more time for discovery and adventure. In contrast, our lifestyle leaves no time for those activities because we have the world at our fingertips. This foes completely against Thoreau's trancendentalist views that taught that divinity pervades all nature and humanity. To enjoy the little things in life and be as far apart from mainstream as you can. And most of all, to live simply.
Thoreau thought that it was better to accept the new advantages than to reject the inventions and industry that humankind had to offer, as long as they were authentic. But he warned that with these "modern improvements," there will be an illusion to them and not always a positive advance. He said that we should look upon the new technologies with sceptecism. No matter how extraordinary the invention may seem, it will have side effects that shape who we are as people in ways that are not always positive. For example, television. It is a significant human achievement, but it's a proven fact that it consumes more time of the typical U.S. citizen, other than time spent sleeping or working. The point is, if we do not know what to do with our technology, it can be life-weakening, instead of life-enhancing.
The problem today is technology is just there everywhere we go. It's new, affordable, and socially welcoming, makes it easier to fall into the trap of thinking that with it, we are better off. In a country where so many blindly adopt the latest gadget, we each need a little Thoreau on our shoulder, not to stop the use of technology, but to remind us to use them well. All we need to do is find "Simplicity!" by simply looking for it. If new technology has the ability to carry out of life goals and does not distract us from more important things, then we should take advantage of it. Bu Thoreau warned that, in sneaky ways, it can be deceiving. Thoreau became suspicious, wondering whether we might be better off without the technology so we could have more free time. He also said that it tends to distance us from the natural environment, and can effect our lives for the worse.
Thoreau writes about the spread of technology. He supports a natural life that is full of simplicity. He believed that humans were never made to advance in the way that they have in technology. Through his work, he describes the "perfect society" to be natural and laid back. I have a feeling that if he were to see how far we have come, he would be mortified and extremely outraged.
Many think that Thoreau is not supporting an unsophisticated existence. However he often dismissed technology because he saw it as a luxury that could hold our society back, but did not deny that they could also be enabling tools worthy of all the buzz and attention. All he wanted to do was bring attention to the fact that there is a certain elegance to the clothesline and a bicycle. Sometimes it's nice not to get wound up in the bustle of society. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Thoreau thought that it was better to accept the new advantages than to reject the inventions and industry that humankind had to offer, as long as they were authentic. But he warned that with these "modern improvements," there will be an illusion to them and not always a positive advance. He said that we should look upon the new technologies with sceptecism. No matter how extraordinary the invention may seem, it will have side effects that shape who we are as people in ways that are not always positive. For example, television. It is a significant human achievement, but it's a proven fact that it consumes more time of the typical U.S. citizen, other than time spent sleeping or working. The point is, if we do not know what to do with our technology, it can be life-weakening, instead of life-enhancing.
The problem today is technology is just there everywhere we go. It's new, affordable, and socially welcoming, makes it easier to fall into the trap of thinking that with it, we are better off. In a country where so many blindly adopt the latest gadget, we each need a little Thoreau on our shoulder, not to stop the use of technology, but to remind us to use them well. All we need to do is find "Simplicity!" by simply looking for it. If new technology has the ability to carry out of life goals and does not distract us from more important things, then we should take advantage of it. Bu Thoreau warned that, in sneaky ways, it can be deceiving. Thoreau became suspicious, wondering whether we might be better off without the technology so we could have more free time. He also said that it tends to distance us from the natural environment, and can effect our lives for the worse.
Thoreau writes about the spread of technology. He supports a natural life that is full of simplicity. He believed that humans were never made to advance in the way that they have in technology. Through his work, he describes the "perfect society" to be natural and laid back. I have a feeling that if he were to see how far we have come, he would be mortified and extremely outraged.
Many think that Thoreau is not supporting an unsophisticated existence. However he often dismissed technology because he saw it as a luxury that could hold our society back, but did not deny that they could also be enabling tools worthy of all the buzz and attention. All he wanted to do was bring attention to the fact that there is a certain elegance to the clothesline and a bicycle. Sometimes it's nice not to get wound up in the bustle of society. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."