The world at a time is not defined by what it lacks in, but by what it has too much of. As persons, we don't define ourselves as poor, or lacking in intelligence. We define ourselves in being too lazy, or being too good for our own good. Similarly, the current world is not lacking in environmental knowledge or effort, we are very good at industrialization.
Space and Time mean Geography and History, respectively.
Space and Time mean Geography and History, respectively.
There was a time when there was too much space. It is another way of saying that there was no good transport. People could not go beyond certain distances. For many people today, going to another continent might take less effort, time and money (converted to money in old times), than what it might have taken someone to go a few tens of kilometers.
Currently, we have too much information. This means we have too little time to consume it. Maybe that is why governments are going for things like PRISM and Five Eyes instead of 'normal' espionage.
Too much information and too less time makes us forget past things. We have limited minds. Maybe this is why we get so happy when USA gets a new black president, but we forget that the same country has had Afghanistan and Iraq as its neo-colonies. Most people will forget their bully acquaintances when they get famous, at which stage the 'bully' will be substituted with 'naughty friend'.
Our stereotypes are changing to reflect this change. What earlier used to be on the lines of "People from xxx area are bad/mean", is now "I should use less electricity. But first I should reboot my computer, it is on since the past week."
[The idea for this post came when I was chatting with my friend, Arpit Rawat.]
So very true, short term memories it seems we humans surely have indeed. Plus always looking for something more.
ReplyDeleteLooking for more means the more we get, the more we want. It is a zero or infinity situation.
DeleteInteresting read. Afghanistan and Iraq are USA’s neo-colonies? Every country has its own vital interests, unless the ruling leaders are so corrupt and want to sell the country. There are 2 main vital interests for USA. Safeguard US national security. Protect Americans against threats to their lives and well-being. They may be taking certain actions to protect their vital interests. That may not look right to some countries.
ReplyDeleteAs you said, we all have short term memories. Unfortunately, a lot of people mistake that for clear conscience.
I had not thought that way, but now it is apparent thanks to you that having a short term memory makes for a clear conscience. Not exactly related to a clear conscience, but I think for similar reasons we are supposed to joke around a friend who just has had a bad experience or something.
DeleteAbout USA. Governments are like parents to us. And it is kind of difficult to think anyone's parents would go kick some poor man's kid just to make their kids feel better. This is the crux of what I think.
Very true.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Deleteinteresting observations, and true indeed, people have not only changed there ways of thinking but have also changed themselves accordingly. They are ready to come to terms even with something they cant stand for a second provided it yields profit. The hunger for perfection and Leaving a mark had certainly left many of us (Most of us) blindfolded to the obvious..:)
ReplyDeleteNice post..:)
I will have to disagree. I think people have changed the way they think, but not their nature over the years/decades/centuries. The just-passed time is always shown to be ideal.
DeleteWhat I am saying is that looking for profit today is now new, just the ways have changed. This was what I meant by my last paragraph. As an example, have a look at Christopher Columbus, an apparent great personality of past time.
That’s right, too little time to consume all the info available, too little that we cant even waste time in turning off the pc!! :P
ReplyDeleteAs long as we are thinking about it, I think we can still do something about our bad habits.
DeleteI think the media makes our stereotypes as either. Mainly concerned other countries. Like when I think of Iraq immediately I think of war and soldiers, because that's what's on TV. In Brazil I believe people think we only have bush (because of the Amazon rainforest) and soccer, when in fact more than half of the population is against the World Cup. And people judge how little they know!
ReplyDeleteYou are right.
DeleteI don't know what you think about everything, but I must tell you that:
1. Yes, the world loves Brasil for the rainforest and football. I don't know why you and half of the people there don't like it.
2. It is true that many people judge on little information. But who wants such people's opinion?
3. There are a lot of things that the world can learn from Brasil. For example, the Indian government is starting a direct cash transfers scheme that is based on Bolsa Familia.