[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Written word and other evils



If I remember correctly, one of the ancients was worried about committing ideas to the written word because he thought that we would be in danger of losing the close community of people who otherwise would have to gather to speak their ideas face to face. I think that at every turn--written text, the interstate highway system, telephones and now television and computers--we pay a price for removing ourselves from the presence of others.  Of course, the irony is that we actually rely on more people because of the industry it takes to create the worlds we live in without the physical presence of others. It's definitely something to consider. I think denying this reality is dangerous. At the same time, the struggle to come to terms with the the price we pay reduces its danger in our lives. (This means call you mother or send her an e-card!!  ::grin::)

-- Jackie Frens
* CWOnline -- Computers & Writing Online 2001 discussion list
* To unsubscribe or to get more confererence information, visit:
* http://web.nwe.ufl.edu/cwonline2001/