XXXIII

The Dark Ages

Though technological advances are rapidly increasing, mankind seeks no improvement, for why should we work to change society if the internet is at our fingertips? We are becoming stuck on such an invention. Focused on the trivial, such as social media and celebrity news, we are quickly forgetting the benefit of the arts--literature, philosophy, painting, and music. If everything becomes digital, is talent and skill even required? 

The prevalent evil of technology is stripping our society of the richness of life. With technology, creativity is removed. Musicians, unable to sing on key, are attaining infinite acclaim and wealth, but what merits this? They have no skill. Artists and photographers can digitally enhance images and remove unsightly flaws. What talent is there in operating a computer? Sure, technology is convenient, but it removes substance and beauty. 

Perhaps, our beloved technology is providing greater harm than good. By robbing ourselves of a richer culture, we could be hindering the growth of society. Hopefully, centuries later, our current time shall not be referred to as a Second Dark Ages. If society continues on this path, however, it might be rightly deemed so.   

XXXII

Chooglin

Amazing how the smallest things can drastically brighten your day. That's the beauty in life: joy can be found by appreciating life around us, all the details we usually miss. Joy and beauty can always be found in life, but we must vigilantly remember to seek it out and admire it.

 

 

Today, my favorite record label, Third Man Records, rolled up in their Rolling Record Store truck to sell some fine records. If buying records doesn't make you happy, I'm convinced you are just condemned to a life of misery. Nothing brightens up the day like record buying, especially when it's music you love...that's a definite fact. 

XXXI

Entertaining Tragedy

Over the past week, my family vacationed at Walt Disney World. However, the concept of what Disney is morphing in to is tragic. The method of simply waiting in line for a rollercoaster is slowly becoming a primeval practice of yesteryear. Now, people must be entertained while waiting in line--games are being played and animatronics are placed throughout the queue for entertainment. Such a tragedy that we cannot live 30 minutes without the need of a form of entertainment. It's absolutely absurd, really. Constantly, complaints are being voiced about the wait for an attraction, when waiting in line is a natural part of theme parks. Humans certainly are interesting creatures, wouldn't you agree?

XXX

Purpose

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."

-C.S. Lewis

Maybe, making life enjoyable is the purpose of our lives. We all work tireless hours to make money just to pay for the necessities needed to live. We are doomed to this monotonous fate until the day we die. However, we attain the power to create an enjoyable life. Surrounded by tones of black and white, our purpose is to add color. Make art. Study language. Converse with strangers. Ponder the world around you. Perhaps, by adding some adventure and excitement to our dull monotony, we can see the beauty surrounding us, instead of the negativity.

 

 

XXIX

My Ghost

Depression, I believe, is quite possibly the worst ailment a person can suffer from, for you cannot escape it. Inside of you is your own personal demon, haunting your very soul. You cannot evade it, except for sparse, fleeting moments of temporary happiness--no lasting cure. The ghost haunting you cannot be shaken, for it is apart of you. Living life entails dealing with your own personal hell, which originates from your own mind and soul. No escape. Alone, you are left to suffer, for no one can save you from yourself. You are your own worst enemy. 

XXVIII

A Logical, Metaphorical, and Philosophical View Point

 

"When problems overwhelm, us and sadness smothers us, where do we find the will and the courage to continue? Well, the answer may come in the caring voice of a friend, a chance encounter with a book, or from a personal faith. For Janet help came from her faith, but it also from a squirrel. Shortly after her divorce, Janet lost her father, then she lost her job. She had mounting money problems. But Janet not only survived, she worked her way out of despondency and now she says, life is good again. How could this happen? She told me that late one Autumn day when she was at her lowest she watched a squirrel storing up nuts for the winter, one at a time he would take them to the nest. And she thought, if that squirrel can take care of himself with the harsh winter coming along, then so can I. Once I broke my problems into small pieces I was able to carry them, just like those acorns, one at a time."

-Excerpt from Little Acorns by The White Stripes

 

Looking to a squirrel for inspiration--utterly simplistic. Yet, it makes perfect sense, doesn't it?