In the first epistle of his essay, Pope writes two lines that makes one really think about the unknown, "What vary'd Being peoples ev'ry star, May tell why Heav'n made us as we are." (Pope, Essay on Man). It seems as though Alexander Pope is suggesting to his audience that by learning more about the universe and astronomy, mankind can learn more about both God and mankind, itself. This is truly insightful. Words such as these helped mankind reach beyond whatever knowledge was within close grasps of its fingertips. Even today, there are scientists and writers who seek to explain the stars and push the boundaries of human knowledge to better mankind. This kind of thinking was both rational and inspirational at the same time, helping humankind to push past barriers, to revolutionize science, politics, and law. I think that often we do not value pen as much as we do the microscope in such instances of innovation and change. Would revolution and science be even allowed in our society today to the degree it is without having great writers and speakers to convince others to action and defiance of complacency? The body of humankind moves forward via many muscles, and I submit to you that great literature such as The Declaration of Independence, the Bible, Martin Luther's Theses, Dr. King's great speeches, and essays just like the one written by Pope I have mentioned, would be the heart.
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While writing has not lost its place as the backbone of society (at least in my views), new media has also come into play. For example, our pictures from the Hubble Deep Space Telescope have moved individuals in a way which words cannot. Modern media, then, accompanying writing, is perhaps what is moving forward "the body of humankind".
ReplyDeleteI really like how you pointed out the relationship between spirituality and astronomy. When I was in Girl's Camp, we always went on a night hike and talked about our place in the universe for the same reason. It is amazing to me that mankind continues to look to the stars to find meaning.
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