[Bill,
June 20, 2007]
Everything as entertainment
What surprises me is not what she said, but that so few people are saying it. Everything, especially our political culture, is turning into entertainment.
Hesse's Age of Feuilleton [replacement of serious thinking with journalism] was optimistic. Huxley's trivialization of everything is looking more prescient.
And worse, I'm so numb to it I'm starting to accept it ... I feel like going on a soma holiday :)
The role of culture, however, must go beyond economics. It is not focused on the price of things, but on their value. And, above all, culture should tell us what is beyond price, including what does not belong in the marketplace. A culture should also provide some cogent view of the good life beyond mass accumulation. In this respect, our culture is failing us.
Hesse's Age of Feuilleton [replacement of serious thinking with journalism] was optimistic. Huxley's trivialization of everything is looking more prescient.
And worse, I'm so numb to it I'm starting to accept it ... I feel like going on a soma holiday :)
BTW, did you see the Vatican's 10 commandments for drivers? Might be something for you to blog about.
The following are some of the highlights of the new document.
If you are carjacked one mile, go with him two.
If you are hit, turn the other signal.
Do not let your air bag become puffed up like the Pharisees
Let not the sun go down on you road rage
Carry your cross daily, or at least have one hanging from your rear view mirror.
When you enter a freeway that is backed up, go and move to the lowest place and not try to merge into the front. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Do not talk about your Honda so that it can be said of you "That he did not say it of his own Accord."
Hydroplaning is not the same thing as walking on water, avoid it.
Before Jesus performed the miracle at Cana, he appointed a designated driver.