Transcendentalism toady is still very prominent, a very important aspect in the 21st century that relates to it involves technology. I believe all the technological advancements have both complimented and contradicted the ideas of the Transcendentalists. Anybody that has access to this technology such as blogs, social networks, etc. can put their ideas out for the rest of the world to view, critique, and refine. However, doing this also makes it easier for people to take the ideas of others instead of putting their own input into them before claiming it as their own. Technology has also taken over many tasks that humans have done themselves, some for the better and worse of human kind. For example, text messaging and e-mail has made it easier for people far away to communicate, but at the same time it is less special opposed to a visit in person or a simple phone call, which would be more along the traits of transcendentalism. If people only used technology in a way to exercise the positive aspects or many constructive traits of transcendentalism, the present day would benefit greatly.
Interesting ideas here, Ryan. I agree that Emerson and Thoreau would see plenty of radical possibilities in modern technology--especially the internet--but they would probably be mostly disappointed in the uses to which we've put this technology. What would they think of the CLOG, I wonder?
ReplyDeletei think that emerson and thoreau think that technology in of itself is great but how it is used they would see a problem with. they would see the communications as being very superficial and no connection nor true communication occuring
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said, but then I also started to think about how social networking can force people to conform. When everything is recorded forever on your Facebook, sometimes you might think twice before posting something you think people might make fun of you for. At the same time, on websites like Formspring, people lose all social convention because of anonymity.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed picturing Emerson and Thoreau in front of computers posting on each others walls. I think the point Dylan brings up is very true. When communication is done over the internet or over the phone it seems to lose some sincerity. I also believe that this notion is present in today's society. Who breaks up with people over text or email... Who does that? It's just not seen as the polite thing to do. While technology does open up new roads of communication I do not think it is the true communication that Emerson and Thoreau believed in.
ReplyDelete