Past Blogs Collection, Blog #2

An interesting quote
Current mood: cynical

Quote of the day: Fine minds are seldom fine souls. -Jean Paul Richter, writer (1763-1825)

I read this quote today, and thought about its meaning under the surface. I think there is certainly some truth to this statement. Two phrases that I have always liked to use together are: “Knowledge is power” and “Power corrupts”. The unstated conclusion being that knowledge corrupts. As far back as the beginning of the world (for those of you who take stock in Genesis like I do), Adam and Eve thirsted for knowledge, and after taking a bit of an apple from the tree of knowledge, corrupted the whole human race. Sounds a bit harsh, doesn’t it?

Ever since that first sin, committed wholly for knowledge and power, we have always looked to advance our knowledge and our power, even at the expense of our souls. Sure, we have made great discoveries and advancements, and we know more now than we would have though possible just one generation ago. But are we better because of it?

Has television made us better? More likely complacent, and it probably contributes to the break-up of the family. And honestly, why the hell does anyone care about Paris Hilton?!? What about computers, with the promise of being able to do our work faster, giving us more free time? Instead, we just do more work in the same amount of time, and then spend additional “free” time fixing problems. The internet with all of its promises of free knowledge? Billion-dollar porn industry (not to say the internet doesn’t have its advantages, and I can not personally imagine going without for a long period of time). Telephones to bring us closer? Two friends sit across the table from each other, both on their cell phones, talking to other people. Automobiles? Road rage and cancer-causing pollution. Space exploration to find out if we are not alone? We can’t even get along with people of the same species- do we really want to contact another one?

I guess I sound like one of those “the end is nigh” fanatics, and I’m kind of a hypocrite because I have a strong thirst for knowledge, but I think that ignorance really is bliss. If people took time out of their busy days of asking why and just enjoyed their surroundings, maybe the world would be a better place...