On civilization, enlightenment and culture. - Page 11 - Darkforum.com - Dark Stories, Dark Art, Poetry, Photography, Debates and Discussions

Iron's Rite · 12-02-05

Okay then, back to my original question:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron's Rite

How is it that the core of a society can be so un-enlightened, while the individuals and counter-culture movements that split off from a societies core social stucture often achieve higher standards of culture and spiritual growth?

errantrogue · 12-02-05

because the core society isn't interested in growth, only maintaining the status quo?

Shadowborn · 12-02-05

There's a lot of this line of thought in Matthew Arnold's writings in Culture and Anarchy. He spends a lot of time blaming the "Philistines" (his pet name for the middle class.)

Qoji · 12-02-05

I'd say it has more to do with being accepted by others. It's just easier to conform and be liked by others than to take a chance on something new.

Shadowborn · 12-02-05

Eh, that line of thought seems a little too juvenile. It's one thing to think that way when you're in the 8th grade and another entirely to live your whole life by that rule. I think people are just too used to seeing education as a means to an end (i.e. a job, an income, meeting basic wants and needs) than seeing it as an end unto itself.

Qoji · 12-02-05

...what line of thought is juvenile, mine or societies?

Shadowborn · 12-02-05

The whole "being accepted by others" idea. Yes, I think that conformity is a definite worry, but I don't think people dumb themselves down on a large scale just because they worry about not fitting in. That seems too simple an answer.

Qoji · 12-05-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowborn

The whole "being accepted by others" idea. Yes, I think that conformity is a definite worry, but I don't think people dumb themselves down on a large scale just because they worry about not fitting in.

I think that's exactly what people do. I've seen it in action.

Iron's Rite · 12-06-05

There was even an experiment that was conducted where one person was set up in a group of actors. They were then shown a test where a few bars were shown on a graph and the group was asked which was shortest. The actors would then select an obviously in-correct choice in order to gauge the other persons reaction. Depending on the subjects personality, their were those few who would have to much pride and respect to deny the obvious, even when the sctors in the group began to ridicule them for their decision or you had those who would agree with the group to fit in.
So that is a factor, it takes someone with a strong sense of self to be truely non-conformist towards a societies expections and amongst some groups in our society, such as some young people, acting intelligent and standing out can be a sure-fire way to alienate oneself.

Qoji · 12-06-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron's Rite

So that is a factor, it takes someone with a strong sense of self to be truely non-conformist towards a societies expections and amongst some groups in our society, such as some young people, acting intelligent and standing out can be a sure-fire way to alienate oneself.

Something that can and should be instilled in everyone.