Post-Literacy
The latest issue of World contains a good article by Janie B. Cheaney examining a few dynamics of the “post-literacy” culture we’re finding ourselves in.
From the article:
“Another characteristic of oral cultures is an incomplete sense of self.
At the dawn of the Middle Ages, Augustine of Hippo pioneered a new type
of literature: the psychological memoir. His Confessions is the anatomy
of a human soul that lost, then found, its way. Perhaps for that very
reason it is incomprehensible to Professor Bertonneau’s students.
Subject to an educational system—and a parental style—that flatters
their esteem but neglects their souls, they don’t have the capacity for
honest soul-searching. Encouraged to be self-absorbed, they are
anything but self-aware.”
At the dawn of the Middle Ages, Augustine of Hippo pioneered a new type
of literature: the psychological memoir. His Confessions is the anatomy
of a human soul that lost, then found, its way. Perhaps for that very
reason it is incomprehensible to Professor Bertonneau’s students.
Subject to an educational system—and a parental style—that flatters
their esteem but neglects their souls, they don’t have the capacity for
honest soul-searching. Encouraged to be self-absorbed, they are
anything but self-aware.”
Read the whole thing.
