By: Daniel Otero
“No way to control it, it’s totally automatic, whenever you’re around. I’m walking blindfolded, completely automatic! All of my systems are down! Down, down, down…”
When Universities began in Europe in the 9th and 10th Centuries, those institutions of higher learning were created for one purpose: broaden the mind and learn more about the mysteries of our Universe.
Yes, from this unique word, ‘Universe’ did come what’s our present-day University.
And what has happened to Universities across the globe? Lately, they are reverting to the ‘one-track mind’ and the humanities are being lost to useless and soulless information. Not education of the spirit, but a quick and easy track to finish maybe in three years, instead of four. Losing all sense of purpose in College life and not taking the time to taste the fruits and labour of education. To recall that education is something to be enjoyed…
These so called institutions where research has been limited to a singular mind with ‘tunnel vision’ on one theme and not the spectrum of the entire world.
People gather at the coffee shops around the world, students mostly. This is in the lonely-mindless persuasion to come together for a drink and text uncontrollably, without even looking at their friends or having a decent conversation.
What kind of society have we created or are we leaving behind? One automated, without humanity or human touch!
Then, surprises come into my life. When I can see [these] older people, a generation who can set an example; gathering at the squares and plazas. They are talking and dancing through the entire evening and night. These are the colourful people that will live full lives, without the fears of loneliness and no fears of looking ridiculous in front of an idiotic society that cannot comprehend this unique truth! They are liberated, bohemian and free! Not enslaved by technology or what others may think!
Greater people (those above) than the narcissism currently practiced by our devoted ‘selfie-generation’. These are the people who think that the older generation has nothing to offer to the conversation, wisdom, to the powers of charm or socialization.
It’s no wonder many cannot cope with contemporary society and ask with entitled attitudes, “Why can’t we make it?”
Bigger and greater are the experiences in living from those whom have and have had a colourful life!
Here is where lessons need to be taught on what’s more important: technology, humanity or the value of having an education to deal with the realities of society. In a word, all the former and latter items are needed. We need them all but in moderation.
A lesson well imparted shall not be forgotten!
Thinking about the old song, “We all need the human touch…” (Rick Springfield, 1983) This is a unique truth!