It’s ironic to me that we call the modern era the Age of Communication. One obvious example. A lack of communication is listed as the leading cause of breakdowns in marriages and relationships. So how is our era the Age of Communication when the divorce rate is higher than it has ever been? I came across an interesting quote awhile back that I think explains this phenomena very well. “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?“ It struck me, because it reminded me a great deal of our modern era. Though in our modern era, communication abounds, with text messaging, emails, and constant updates on facebook and twitter, meaningful communication seems to be dwindling rapidly. The Age of Communication is almost like a great roar drowning out the honest, rare whispers of wise counsel. Our Age of Communication seems like a sham to me — an age which knows fewer words, yet preaches them all the louder in order to make up for it.
If I could liken it to something for a moment, the Age of Communication seems similar to another modern phenomenon: ambient light. There’s a hilltop by my home that I often visit at night and watch the distant city beyond. There it sits, enshrouded in a glow of low-level brightness pervading all the night world. Though the ambient light is good for those traveling through the city, those wishing to gaze upward at the stars beyond are hindered and unable to take in the manifold array of tiny lights.
Our Age of Communication seems the same. Though we as humans communicate more now than ever before, we haven’t learned how to communicate meaningfully, and our words are drowned in a hum of mediocrity. And because of our constant communications with those around us, we never perceive what a treasure real communication is, living a life blind to the vast array of twinkling thoughts that lies just overhead.
11 Comments
drowning in superficial relationship, we lack those that carry meaning, where we can be honest in who we are and not what we are willing to post on a webpage. crowded loneliness…i hear you.
Totally. That’s a good way to put it…crowded loneliness.
Sad thought.
Some human beings also view the present at the Intutive Age. You may be interested in reading this post:
http://blog.dreambuilders.com.au/journal/2009/5/7/10-reminders-the-intuition-age-is-now.html
Hi Ben, This is a question I have for life, too; you wrote about it beautifully here. Have you ever noticed in well-written movies how measured the communication is? Words that are perfect for that exact situation are spoken (whether loving, animated or harsh) and then there is an ensuing silence, and the camera zooms in on first the receiving person’s expression and then the one who spoke and then back to the receiver. It’s a beautiful interaction. Similarly, Eckhart Tolle says that in communicating, be mindful of the spaces (between the words) because that is where the real magic happens. I agree with you whole-heartedly, that the vastness of our words and communication methods is bringing down the whole system. In times like this, I have to remind myself that change begins with me. And so I am trying to be more mindful with my own style of communicating and I hope in time others will, too.
Right on. Thanks Liara and Jodi. I’ll check that out Liara. Thanks for passing it on.
That’s very interesting what you said, Jodi, about the pauses and spaces between communication are some of the most important parts of communication. I definitely agree and always try to be thoughtful before blurting something out. Thanks for stopping by!!
Modern technology does present opportunity to connect with a great variety of people. This is especially important to those with limited environments. It opens up a whole world of possible connections and friendships. I actually communicate with my relatives outside of weddings and funerals, getting a glimpse at the wonderful lives they are leading. I recently shared a loving memory of my mother with my cousin. It was so wonderful to read what she wrote about her. I understand a lot may be lost in written communication because we miss all the non-verbal cues. But a lot can also be gained by well thought written communication, even in small doses.
Hope you are having a lovely day.
Just my thoughts, but I am a disgusting optimist.
Haha, I love it. I’ve never heard of optimism being described as disgusting
I agree with everything you said. There are huge positives in our ability to have mass communications. We just need to be careful to keep on communicating meaningfully. Thanks for reading and for your comments!!
I agree- and do you want to hear something sad? I read an article about 20 things that will be extinct in a matter of time. Two items on the list were the USPS and the handwritten letter.
Yeah that is sad. Let’s bring back the hand written letter!
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I agree with you that we haven’t learned how to communicate meaningfully. Or have we forgotten how to communicate meaningfully? Sometimes I really missed the face to face conversation and yet sometimes there weren’t much to say when I was face to face with another. Is it because we have been too caught up with texts, emails, instant messages etc that we have lost the ability to communicate meaningfully. On the bright side, the advance in technology has brought many closer who would have been distance apart in the past. I guess we need to reach a balance and on the same time relearning how to communicate meaningfully once again.
Your last statement is probably the most perfect advice in response to the explosion of communication technology. Balance. And I definitely agree with you that the advance in technology has brought many closer who otherwise wouldn’t be able to communicate with each other. Thanks very much for your comments and for stopping by!
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