(no subject)

[blue_lotus13]

I've been thinking lately about intellectual discourse. Aside from university education, I think we've become very dumbed down as a culture. I have intellectual discussions with my friends occasionally, but generally, people are more interested in things, rather than ideas. I think we tend to spend more time discussing every day life and experiences, rather than ideas.

I wonder if this has been the truth during all historical periods, or if it's only true now. As a result of advanced communications technology, we have greater ability to disseminate information. However, do we take advantage of this? Did people have more philosophical discussions in the past? Is the culture of "the salon" (and I don't mean the beauty salon") dead? Is the main purpose of art (films and books) to make us think and discuss these ideas?

Perhaps I need to go back to school.

Comments

[elf-chick.livejournal.com]

i think about this all the time.