The expansion of technology into our daily lives has brought about many benefits but also many problems. In her essay “Silence and The Notion Of The Commons”, Ursula Franklin delineates the effects technological trends have had on sound and silence in our time. Specifically, Franklin explores how changes in the intrinsic nature of sound has, and will continue to affect our society. To illustrate this concept, Franklin first explains the natural characteristic of sound. It is, most importantly, transient. Thereby giving rise to its complement—silence. Franklin describes silence as a “spiritual experience when people get in touch with themselves” (376). This opportunity for self examination is important because it is how humans think and reckon
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This statement beings up a fair point. The daily cacophony of sound can make the acts of introspection and rationality difficult to accomplish. Conversely, Edmunson’s finds that “students seem unable to live without constant stimulation” (Edmunson 4). The ability to just go go go seems to be a desirable gift. Possessing only superficial connections to all things, living without roots grounded anywhere is the hallmark of an interesting, satisfying, and vibrant life. Whether it’s music, their acquaintances, or the internet, the children of today believe that these things are what define their life and who they are. Yet, these same students unconsciously search for “continuity and comfort” through parents, or significant others. (Edumunson 13). They unknowingly crave authentic, comprehensive links to anchor them and relate to. These sources of fulfillment are avenues to the students true self and what they truly value. However, without the time to stop and think, today’s students will find it difficult to learn “about who [they] are and what the world is (Edmunson 15)”. Unmindful knowledge of ourselves will not aid in the search of happiness and contentment in life. The conscience analysis of motivations, values, goals and joys is the first step. Franklin describes that when the Quakers got together in silence, a message or insight may have been the product. However, the message …show more content…
According to Shapiro et al. in their journal Mechanisms of Mindfulness, the central component of mindfulness involves intention. Franklin views the Quakers preparedness of mind and the decision to be silent as to separate notions, instead of two parts of the same whole. However, to actually remain attentive and perceptive of an experience, it is necessary to identify why you desire to do so. “Your intentions set the stage for what is possible”, so why are you practicing mindfulness (Shapiro 375)? Is it to learn about God? Learn about yourself? Fully experience life? Or a combination of all three? External Silence is a wonderful precursor to self analysis. However, sitting mindlessly in a silent room to contemplate emotions is not effective. So perhaps, remembering our intention while attentively experiencing life grant more insight and
This statement beings up a fair point. The daily cacophony of sound can make the acts of introspection and rationality difficult to accomplish. Conversely, Edmunson’s finds that “students seem unable to live without constant stimulation” (Edmunson 4). The ability to just go go go seems to be a desirable gift. Possessing only superficial connections to all things, living without roots grounded anywhere is the hallmark of an interesting, satisfying, and vibrant life. Whether it’s music, their acquaintances, or the internet, the children of today believe that these things are what define their life and who they are. Yet, these same students unconsciously search for “continuity and comfort” through parents, or significant others. (Edumunson 13). They unknowingly crave authentic, comprehensive links to anchor them and relate to. These sources of fulfillment are avenues to the students true self and what they truly value. However, without the time to stop and think, today’s students will find it difficult to learn “about who [they] are and what the world is (Edmunson 15)”. Unmindful knowledge of ourselves will not aid in the search of happiness and contentment in life. The conscience analysis of motivations, values, goals and joys is the first step. Franklin describes that when the Quakers got together in silence, a message or insight may have been the product. However, the message …show more content…
According to Shapiro et al. in their journal Mechanisms of Mindfulness, the central component of mindfulness involves intention. Franklin views the Quakers preparedness of mind and the decision to be silent as to separate notions, instead of two parts of the same whole. However, to actually remain attentive and perceptive of an experience, it is necessary to identify why you desire to do so. “Your intentions set the stage for what is possible”, so why are you practicing mindfulness (Shapiro 375)? Is it to learn about God? Learn about yourself? Fully experience life? Or a combination of all three? External Silence is a wonderful precursor to self analysis. However, sitting mindlessly in a silent room to contemplate emotions is not effective. So perhaps, remembering our intention while attentively experiencing life grant more insight and