"In Chapter 2, Albert Knox states that "It seems as if in the process of growing up we lose the ability to wonder about the world." What does he mean? Do you agree with him? Explain why or why not, using examples from this first section of the novel (pp. 1-120) and your own life experiences."
In chapter two, Mr Knox states that “The only thing we require to be good philosophers is the faculty of wonder”. He then backs up his point of view by using numerous examples that show the difference between a babies view and that of an adult. However, he states that the reason babies and adults have a different view is “to do with habit”. Hence, the quote “It seems as if in the process of growing up we lose the ability to wonder about the world” shows how Mr Knox believes that as humans grow older, we take everything for granted and “let [ourselves] be lulled into the enchanted sleep of [our] humdrum existence once and for all”. I agree with Mr Knox to a certain extent.
Firstly, I agree with Mr Knox that all human beings take things for granted, refuse to change habits and ultimately, “work themselves ever deeper into the fur”. Throughout a typical adult’s day, one has to wake up on a specified time, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, watch bbc news or listen to the radio to name a few. Eventually, we become so used to our daily rituals that we decide not to bother changing our habits.
In addition, it seems that throughout the process of growing up, human beings become more and more busy. Through society, humans are strongly encouraged to undergo a series of strenuous education systems from Primary School to University. As you grow older, one is also bogged down by the homework and co-curricular activities. As a result, humans rarely have the time to be able to enjoy pondering over interesting questions such as “Who am I? What is the meaning of life?”.
Hence, I believe that in the process of growing up, humans have not lost the ability to wonder about the world, but merely choose not to wonder about the world.
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5 comments:
I'm confused. Lots of people are writing about the 'choice to not wonder' and then either saying they agree with Knox or they disagree, which is it? =S
I like how you point out the many things that make humans busy throughout their lives from the start.
Keep it up, good job.
I feel you make several valid points. But do you think that ALL humans take everything for granted? I certainly disagree
I feel you make several valid points. But do you think that ALL humans take everything for granted? I certainly disagree
I agree with Justin - not all people take everything as granted. i also do not think "refuse to change habits" is true. Some people do suddenly realize what they can do better in life to make their life eaiser and more exciting.
However if I'm on your side, I would agree you do have some convincing points (:
I agree with justin, its because not all human beings take things for granted. If all human beings take things for granted, then the world wouldn't be perfect right? if the world is perfect then why do we need to have war? Also i agree with dorothy that refuse to change habit is not true. Some people smokes and some of those people will choose not to smoke anymore because of the people around them.
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