When was the last time you experienced what you knew? I often wonder what are the drawbacks of having access to the World Wide Web an information highway of epic proportions or satellite TV a thumb surfer’s delight. They provide access to amazing amounts of information, data, and factoids. At times you must ask yourself, "So what if I know more stuff and can spew out more tidbits about everything like a limit edition backpack super soaker and drown the competition. I mean really, "How much of it have I interacted with and had a meaningful engagement or experience with?"
Now I'll be the first to admit that I am a closet collector of ideas, data, and cool nifty thing-a- ma-bobbers too. But the acquisition of info for the sole purpose of stock piling it can be a deceptive habit. Deceptive in terms of assuming I'm always really living and getting the most out the first encounter with something new. My daughter reminded me of the difference this past weekend at the zoo. She saw for the first time so many animals that we viewed on TV or in books. What was different and rather moving and refreshing for me, a proud and observant Papa, was the moment she actually experienced and interacted face to face with what she knew. “Oohh papa sea lion!”
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4 comments:
Bella is very observant and retains everything she is exposed to in written, visual, and oral forms. She never misses a beat and if she doesn't respond to you right away, don't worry, she's got it recorded in her mind. When she's ready to speak, it's amazing what she might say.
Mimi
that's fabulous. Sends my mind once again peering in the doorway of fatherhood.
I also like your thoughts about the www. You are reminding me about an essay by Walker Percy entitled 'The Loss of the Creature.' I read it waaay back in college and it stuck. Technology in general, as well as our instinctual resistance of the unknown keeps us from genuine knowledge of most anything. The result is that we are reduced, dehumanized, and in turn envious of our knee biting friends.
I spend 40 hours a week online. Yeesh
Yes! We just found your blog off of the Taylors!!! We will now get to see what's going on in your lives a little more :)
Hey--let us know and we could plan a trip up to the zoo with ya'll!! Fun stuff! (:
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