Assignment One: Literature is Timeless

"Is it possible that literature, especially poetry, is something that a scientific civilization like ours will eventually outgrow?"

Will the scientific and technological advances our society is making eventually dominate the arts and literature as we know it? Literature allows the human mind to explore life beyond our immediate environment. It allows us to be imaginative, innovative, and most importantly inspired to further explore the extent of our capabilities. Old legends of people flying on artificial wings or chariots gave man the motivation to accomplish this impossible task. Literature allows us to dream big.

One might argue that in today’s society, science has become so advanced that it is slowly replacing literature and poetry. It is true that ipods, cell phones, and other electronic devices have become a major part of our lives and scientific discoveries have improved our health and well being. However, science alone does not define humanity. As McCullough states, “One can have all the facts and miss the truth”. I believe that poetry and literature are as central and meaningful to civilization, because the human mind has the capacity for conceptual thought. Limiting human experience to technology and scientific advances, limits our ability to imagine, and to explore on a philosophic level. This will never be outdated, and in fact is important in our growth as human beings. Poetry and literature are timeless pieces of work which we as humans will always be able to connect with.