Are we happier? From "Contact"

[jewscout]

From Ellie_A's RF Web page

The question that I’m asking is this: Are we happier…. the human race? Is the world fundamentally a better place because of science and technology? We shop at home we surf the web.. but at the same time we feel emptier, lonelier, and more cut off from each other than at any other time in human history. We’re becoming a synthesized society…. In a great big hurry to get the next……

We’re looking for meaning. What is meaning? We have mindless jobs, we take frantic vacations, deficit finance trips to the mall to buy more things we think will fill these holes in our lives. Is it any wonder that we’ve lost our sense of direction?
Palmer Joss - Contact

Great book and movie. Just wanted to get people's opinions on the above statement. What do you think????

 

[Ellie_A]

I think that many of our modern conveniences have given way to an “immediate gratification” attitude. It seems to me that too many of us have forgotten that it is the little things in life that bring the deepest joy. Things like a new car, a faster computer, all the money one needs seem like they would make us happy. It seems to me that cradling of the face by a loved one in support, watching children playing with a big box and seeing the boat or the castle it is, or the satisfaction of a job well done, that really brings joy. I watch the documentaries on the educational channels about the tribes in Africa who live very much the same way as the oldest ancestors. Why does it seem that the people who appear to have nothing smile more that people you meet in the street of a city? I think many of us have lost our way.

 

[Doc]

Well I am better off today with the help of science and technology. It saved my life at childbirth. But unlike many people I know, I am not stuck up and a money slave. I think that learning of Jesus has helped me to this. I dont need a big house or a fancy new cell phone or the best, best, best!

 

[paradigmatic]

The question that I’m asking is this: Are we happier…. the human race? No.
Is the world fundamentally a better place because of science and technology? No.
We shop at home we surf the web.. but at the same time we feel emptier, lonelier, and more cut off from each other than at any other time in human history. We’re becoming a synthesized society…. In a great big hurry to get the next…… the author shouldn't say we. he should speak for himself. Because I know, at least, one person doesn't think/feel like him.... me.

We’re looking for meaning. What is meaning? --- something that means. by the way, i'm not looking for it cuz i know it.

We have mindless jobs, we take frantic vacations, deficit finance trips to the mall to buy more things we think will fill these holes in our lives. Is it any wonder that we’ve lost our sense of direction? Once again. should speak for himself. what made him think he could represent anybody other than himself?

Palmer Joss - Contact

 

[Ellie_A]

It is a rhetorical question, based on the character’s observations of the world around him.

 

[xander-]

I disagree. And agree. I dont agree with Palmer, because what hes saying, is that we are mindless drones. Drones to society. And I disagree. I lead my life, based on what I want to do, not on what people expect of me. My parents had made a small child savings for me, for a education, and when I used some of the money on a REALLY cheap car(200$) they where mad because even though they never said anything, they belived i would put that money into a education. So did something they didn't expect. And thats the way life is.
Secondly, i'll use the computer as example. The computer itself dosen't make me happy. It is the things the computer can do. It can help me keep in touch with my long distance friends, it can help me be on RF. I didn't buy a convertible, or fast car, or luxury, i bought something to get me places. A means of transportation.
And finally, yes, i do belive that science makes this world a better place. If it wasen't for science, most philosophis woulden't exist, forcing me to belive in a god that dosen't exict. And that would make me a mindless drone.
Now these are my views so i could be wrong. (COULD BE)

-Xander

 

[Faust]

I think that some just don't take the time to appreciate what they get or achieve before they set their sights on a new objective.
I love my accoustic guitar, but I really love my new electric and I really like being able to play my new electric on this new computer through my new guitar port! Technology is way cool! But I still love my old 12 string! However, laying out back in my hamoch with a cold beer or glass of wine on a warm day is beyond pleasure.
I guess is objective, but you have to accept it.

 

[lousyskater]

people take everything for granted these days. they expect to have things certain ways based on what society and the media tells them is the way it should be. sociecty tells people being a nerd is wrong and that you need to do what everyone else is doing to be "cool". society tells people that being different is wrong. society tells people that life revolves around money, so that's what you should strive for, and not personal happyness. and i always found it funny when people rebel against what society says and start their own group, and it then becomes wrong to do anything different than what this "new" society does. it's an on going cycle that seems to never end, whether it's with society in general or smaller organized groups. the majority of our society have become drones to the media, doing what they tell them to do and what to buy to make more money for themselves. if you don't believe me, just watch MTV for a bit, or entertainment tonight telling everyone who or what's hot and who or what's not.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Obviously the man needs to join "Religious Forums"! Or any of the other forums here on the internet. I think it's awesome how some have just taken off and are doing so well!In the past, you were only able to connect with a few like minded souls that lived in your home town. Now I can share my passion with people AROUND THE GLOBE.

Now I have a couch to stay on or a friend to meet in pretty near every major city world wide... and that's cool! I am headed to Miami weekend after this, and then to Chicago in mid January... all because I met some people on the internet. The great thing? They won't hear of me staying in a hotel!

Technology also makes the sport of scuba diving SAFE as well as practical. OK, it's not really practical, but it sure is fun! I am glad I get to do it for a "living" now!

 

[Hope]

I just found this thread, and have to resurrrect it a bit. I loved the movie "Contact" and agree very much with the character Palmer. His statements hit home personally, because I see in myself these 'holes' or 'voids' that I try to fill with superficial and material things, and while I may be able to fill them for a short while, they always become empty again. Technology, as an instance, and other material things, are not wrong in themselves---it's using them to make us feel good, and depending on them entirely too much, that can lead to frustration and unhappiness. Sometimes I just get in these moods when I look at my life, and the world around me, and agree with King Solomon---it is all nothing but "vanities of vanities." What, in the eternal scope of things, does it really matter about all these things we place so much importance on, like money, entertainment, fame, etc., etc. ? It is here today, and gone tomorrow. Fleeting. Like a vapor. So utterly frivolous and extraneous.

I believe that's what Jesus was talking about when He spoke of the Living Water---the water that truly quenches one's thirst, so that one never thirsts again. When we fill ourselves with only material things, we will always end up 'thirsting' again. Material things cannot fill a spiritual void. I have found, in my own experience, that the times I feel truly satisfied, and my void filled to the brim, is when I allow God to fill me. But, stupid, silly me, how often do I turn away from Him, to try to fill my holes with enticing 'vanities of vanities.' Hopefully one day I'll learn......:banghead3

 

[Scorn]

I have to ask though. How have we created these voids to be filled? And what is their true nature? Not all voids are created equal after all.

I have a sieve and a large pile of sand. My pile of sand fits perfectly inside the sieve and the holes are small enough to keep the sand from slipping through. I feel satisfied with it. I like my sieve. On the way over here I found another sieve just sitting there. I wasn't looking for another sieve but there it was. It's a beautiful sieve that will surely come in handy one day. I can easily carry two sieves so I think I'll keep it. But this sieve has much larger holes. It will never hold my sand. I think I need to go find a pile of rocks for it. Rocks are good.

 

[Mercury]

truer words were never spoken. moderntechnology is just a tool, it has made life more comfortable and easier - but life is empty and meaningless . . . and then you have kids. life after that has more meaning than a web has sites.

 

[michel]

I must be incredibly lucky; apart from those thing I believe I NEED ( and yes, I suppose that is debatable - ie do I NEED a computer? -yes, otherwise I would'nt be talking to all of you) I am happy with my 'lot'. The only goal I have always had in mind (From a money point of view) is to make sure my Wife and Kids want for nothing (Essentials, obviously). Fashion (Heh - as you can see by the 'photo of me) means nothing to me; all I want from a car is that it gets me from A to B in reasonable comfort (and hopefully does'nt break down). I do have one extravagance - music; but again, most of that I've bought from charity shops and second hand shops. I don't need to 'go out' often; maybe Marie and I have one meal out each month; neither of us smoke. I am happy; I'm easily satisfied.