Transcendentalism

Do we need that escape from reality? Today in class we discussed about how far we'd postpone our life by technology. Its interesting to look back in history. Sociologists thoughout time have worried about the threat of industrialization and the boom of technology. Beginning on the 18th century with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, Transcendentalism began, a protest against the general state in culture and society. Thoreau went so far to move himself to the edge of town and live in a cabin on the edge of Walden pond to escape the materialistic world. he lived alone in the cabin, hunting and satisfying his most basic needs for survival.

"most of the luxuries and the many of the so-called comforts of life are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the the elevation of mankind" - Thoreau

I believe its true. Turn off that computer, leave your phone at home and go for a walk. Its an unbelievable freedom to turn it all off and tune into the real world. There are arguments that you can entirely control your virtual world. I respect your need for power, but master the world around you before you pick up the controller.