We are not ‘censored’ in the traditional way in the United States: writers are not beaten or killed because of their words, and no Ministry of Truth enforces an official version of what can be printed and thought. But in this culture of images, we are censoring ourselves. That may be more insidious and long-lasting. What I mean is that we disparage long-term complexity, and extol superficiality. We ignore reading, and lavish time on images. To read, in my mind, is to consider and to think. To see an image is to react. What happens when we start believing the world and what is important in it are only these reactions and prejudices? What have you become when the most expected of you is simply to press a ‘Like’ button? What kind of gulag is it when its inhabitants are too stupid to understand they are its prisoners? .Sergio Troncoso
About This Quote
The power of the written word has always been its ability to transcend time and space. As technology has evolved, so has the importance of the written word. When writing was first invented, it was used primarily for religious purposes, but over time it has grown into an art form that can be used to express thoughts and ideas that are not limited by geography or by time. Over the past few hundred years, this ability to express thoughts and ideas has become increasingly important.
With this growing importance has come a growing distrust of technology - technology that is often seen as an enemy. The ability to share information at light speeds allows for information to be spread long before it becomes common knowledge. But this same ability to share information can also be used to propagate misinformation and propaganda.
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