In Theodore Dalrymple’s What We Have to Lose, Dalrymple explores the human ability to convey meanings and higher thought as a means to differentiate the civilized from the uncivilized. He alludes to the notion that the main factor that distinguishes humanity is our ability to make art and other expressive mediums that can articulate the different and complex emotions and thoughts that we experience. His main methodology to support his argument is through various anecdotes.
Dalrymple argues that the human ability to articulate our feelings through various mediums, even in times of distress, is what distinguishes us from barbarians. As barbarians are often associated with images of people who are not able to hold complex thoughts or conversations and rely heavily on their primitive abilities, which are often limited to violence. On the other hand, society is capable of being able to use art for cathartic release or even as comfort in times of tragedy and stress. Throughout the duration of the article, all people who are performing acts of violence are equated to barbarians.
He supports his claim by working to appeal to the reader’s emotion, and relies on their ability to empathize with their appreciation of the arts. The most prominent ways that Dalrymple supports his views is through his own personal anecdotes from some of his seemingly mundane life experiences and his travels. In opening the article, he recounts where he was during the fall of the World Trade Center. “I was
Dalrymple argues that the human ability to articulate our feelings through various mediums, even in times of distress, is what distinguishes us from barbarians. As barbarians are often associated with images of people who are not able to hold complex thoughts or conversations and rely heavily on their primitive abilities, which are often limited to violence. On the other hand, society is capable of being able to use art for cathartic release or even as comfort in times of tragedy and stress. Throughout the duration of the article, all people who are performing acts of violence are equated to barbarians.
He supports his claim by working to appeal to the reader’s emotion, and relies on their ability to empathize with their appreciation of the arts. The most prominent ways that Dalrymple supports his views is through his own personal anecdotes from some of his seemingly mundane life experiences and his travels. In opening the article, he recounts where he was during the fall of the World Trade Center. “I was