Yes . . . this story highlights a problem with our modern world, one for which we have not yet developed the collective wisdom to handle.
My CONCLUSIONS have yet to be made, but my FEELINGS are uncomfortable indeed — and coupled with DISAPPOINTMENT.
I received my first computer back in 1980, Sam, and my first modem (a 300/600 baud one) over a year later on my birthday. I’ve seen the online world of my childhood transformed from one inhabited by thoughtful (if rather geeky) intellectuals obsessed with being correct (and thus competent) to a teeming mob of kneejerk-reacting rabble, unable or unwilling to analyze information and find the truth in.
We recently saw a similar pattern play out in the reporting and public reactions to the story of the Catholic student, the Native American drummer, and the “Hebrew Israelites” demonstrating in the National Mall. The TRUTH in that story is still not easily understood. (I say, fuck that little punk in the MAGA hat, regardless.)
I try to remind myself of the blessings of democratizing information.
Like in the story of Pandora’s box, however, curses come along for the ride.
I imagine similar patterns occurred after the invention of the printing press, the telegraph, and the telephone. Maybe even after the invention of writing itself.
The myth of Pandora is apt for many reasons:
https://www.theoi.com/Heroine/Pandora.html
Some curious and telling observations:
- The name “Epimethius” means “after-thought”.
- “Hope” was the ultimate gift and blessing that remained.
We can take some solace in that hope.
Here’s an appropriate song for the moment:
