The topic of darkness is an often overlooked one, but in Paul Bogard’s article “Let there be dark” Bogard tells the reader some reasons that one should appreciate natural darkness, and why society should make sure that we make sure we do not lose it. Bogard uses a various number of techniques to make this statement, including facts and personal stories. According to Bogard, darkness should be preserved in that it is beneficial for our health, the environment and provides us with knowledge. What Bogard was literally saying in this piece is that Darkness is good for our well-being, and also the environment. Bogard begins with some negative effects of not having enough darkness, “Our bodies need darkness to produce the hormone melatonin, which
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Bogard claims that darkness enhances dramatic moments, “ Consider how it brings us together with those we love, how we illuminate our most intimate experiences with flame or moonlight, with subtlety. What would a winter evening's stroll through the park be without it? Or a candlelight dinner? Or a New Year's bonfire with friends? It's only with night's natural darkness that we appreciate the lights of the city, and of the season. No one thinks much of these lights at noon.” (Bogard, Paul. "Let There Be Dark." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2015) The dark also can a source of inspiration for some, “Every religious tradition has considered darkness invaluable for a soulful life, and the chance to witness the universe has inspired artists, philosophers and everyday stargazers since time began. In [the] world awash with electric light, St. John of the Cross could not have offered us the wisdom from his "dark night of the soul." And how would Van Gogh have given the world his "Starry Night"? (Bogard, Paul. "Let There Be Dark." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2015) Who knows what this vision of the night sky might inspire in each of us, in our children or grandchildren?” These quotes both relate to the personal effects of the darkness, and how they can also bring out the greatness in
Bogard claims that darkness enhances dramatic moments, “ Consider how it brings us together with those we love, how we illuminate our most intimate experiences with flame or moonlight, with subtlety. What would a winter evening's stroll through the park be without it? Or a candlelight dinner? Or a New Year's bonfire with friends? It's only with night's natural darkness that we appreciate the lights of the city, and of the season. No one thinks much of these lights at noon.” (Bogard, Paul. "Let There Be Dark." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2015) The dark also can a source of inspiration for some, “Every religious tradition has considered darkness invaluable for a soulful life, and the chance to witness the universe has inspired artists, philosophers and everyday stargazers since time began. In [the] world awash with electric light, St. John of the Cross could not have offered us the wisdom from his "dark night of the soul." And how would Van Gogh have given the world his "Starry Night"? (Bogard, Paul. "Let There Be Dark." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2015) Who knows what this vision of the night sky might inspire in each of us, in our children or grandchildren?” These quotes both relate to the personal effects of the darkness, and how they can also bring out the greatness in