Comparing Powers 'And Thoreau's Walden Zones'
Nick Hearon
Mrs. Menjares
Senior Composition, 4th Period
15 August 2014
Hamlet’s Blackberry Summer Reading Assignment
1) Powers uses the philosophies/worldviews of seven influential thinkers to form the backbone of his discussion. Briefly summarize your understanding of the key elements of each of these thinkers which Powers uses in making argument. Write at least a paragraph on each of them to show your understanding of their relevance to the central message of Powers' book.
a) Powers uses Plato’s story as an analogy in effort to make the assertion that by physically separating ourselves from our devices, we can easily distance ourselves from the digital world. We live in a busy world, with busy people, and busy schedules. By simply stepping …show more content…
By setting goals, we allow ourselves the opportunity to reward ourselves for a job well done once we reach our goal. We must set these goals because, if we have a goal in mind, then we are far more focused on achieving that goal, therefore, we begin to eliminate that lack of focus discussed by Seneca.
f) Thoreau presents the concept of “Walden Zones”. These Walden Zones are areas where technology is completely cut out, allowing for absolute relaxation and enjoyment without a screen. As our dependence technology continually increases, so does our need for Walden Zones. Even if it is just one room in your house that has no screens or technology, it helps.
g) McLuhan discusses the importance of limiting the technology in our lives. While something may have more bells and whistles, it could cause more problems in your life. For example, having that brand new iPhone is awesome, but perhaps you would be less stressed if you weren’t always worried about what everyone was doing, and you were able to more easily limit your information …show more content…
I love technology, and I plan to major in electrical and computer engineering, yet I recognize the importance of maintaining a life away from a screen. If we become to enveloped in what’s going on on our screens, then are we ever really living a good life, or are we just trying to watch other people live theirs? Technology is great, but if we become overly attached to it, then we can never enjoy something for simply what it is. We are too worried about letting other people know what we’re doing, and how much we’re “enjoying” it to actually enjoy it (if that makes any sense).
c) One insight that Powers shares that I plan to implement into my life is the necessity of “Walden Zones.” While Thoreau originally presented the idea, Powers emphasized it. I like the idea of having an “escape” from technology entirely. I think it could help me to focus, relax, and create a necessary detachment from
Mrs. Menjares
Senior Composition, 4th Period
15 August 2014
Hamlet’s Blackberry Summer Reading Assignment
1) Powers uses the philosophies/worldviews of seven influential thinkers to form the backbone of his discussion. Briefly summarize your understanding of the key elements of each of these thinkers which Powers uses in making argument. Write at least a paragraph on each of them to show your understanding of their relevance to the central message of Powers' book.
a) Powers uses Plato’s story as an analogy in effort to make the assertion that by physically separating ourselves from our devices, we can easily distance ourselves from the digital world. We live in a busy world, with busy people, and busy schedules. By simply stepping …show more content…
By setting goals, we allow ourselves the opportunity to reward ourselves for a job well done once we reach our goal. We must set these goals because, if we have a goal in mind, then we are far more focused on achieving that goal, therefore, we begin to eliminate that lack of focus discussed by Seneca.
f) Thoreau presents the concept of “Walden Zones”. These Walden Zones are areas where technology is completely cut out, allowing for absolute relaxation and enjoyment without a screen. As our dependence technology continually increases, so does our need for Walden Zones. Even if it is just one room in your house that has no screens or technology, it helps.
g) McLuhan discusses the importance of limiting the technology in our lives. While something may have more bells and whistles, it could cause more problems in your life. For example, having that brand new iPhone is awesome, but perhaps you would be less stressed if you weren’t always worried about what everyone was doing, and you were able to more easily limit your information …show more content…
I love technology, and I plan to major in electrical and computer engineering, yet I recognize the importance of maintaining a life away from a screen. If we become to enveloped in what’s going on on our screens, then are we ever really living a good life, or are we just trying to watch other people live theirs? Technology is great, but if we become overly attached to it, then we can never enjoy something for simply what it is. We are too worried about letting other people know what we’re doing, and how much we’re “enjoying” it to actually enjoy it (if that makes any sense).
c) One insight that Powers shares that I plan to implement into my life is the necessity of “Walden Zones.” While Thoreau originally presented the idea, Powers emphasized it. I like the idea of having an “escape” from technology entirely. I think it could help me to focus, relax, and create a necessary detachment from