A couple of days ago I invited some friends over to see Wim Wenders' movie "Until the end of the World - the Directors cut". I bought it when I was in Italy last year. The movie is four and a half hours, so its really an experience.
The film raises some difficult, but interesting questions. Are there any limits to what we as humans are supposed to know? Are there any lines we shouldn't cross? Is there something that is holy and not for us to mess with?
Every person in the movie seems to be confused and unsure of their place in the world. Through technology they think they find a lot of answers when they're able to make movies of their dreams, but it makes them self-absorbed and insulated.
I've seen this movie several times, but I always feel the last part challenges me to think about how we live our lives. Wim Wenders paints a dark future where technology isolates us when it's used to explore the mind, but maybe we're better off? Is technology more of a tool for communication these days or is technology itself pushing us further towards isolation and egocentrism? Is technology only a tool for better living and community - or could it be an obstacle for the same? Are we given opportunities through technology we really shouldn't have?
The Aborigines in the film were convinced that there are limits to what we are to know; there are things that are holy, there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. Knowledge should never lead us to isolation, but should be shared in a setting of reverence and respect. Holiness means that things are to be put in context, not to be used for personal gain exclusively - that leads to egocentrism. What consequences are there for technology? Is technology neutral or an instrument for our worst nightmares?
I do wonder if it's the technology that is bad or if it's our use of it? The problem in the movie was probably not that the technology was there, but that they didn't have the ethical grounding to resist the temptation of being obsessed by themselves, and to use the technology to be even more egocentric. The quest for understanding isn't always to be strived for when it leads to self-absorption and isolation. Does it lead us TO community or OUT of it? That's sometimes the question. I guess we have to be aware of that in this blogging community as well? Are we here to worship our egos (and make others do it) or are we here to seek community and SHARE our lives with others.... OOOoooooops! Difficult question...... Have to process that myself.
What then about the monastic tradition you might ask? Well, isolation in religious movements is about community as well. Sometimes we have to shut out the noise of the world to be able to listen for the spiritual dimension - to find spiritual community with God and others. That, I believe, is to be strived for. That might give us the ethical grounding necessary in this confusing world.
What do you think?
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2 comments:
There's an interesting film on this. "Paycheck", which is very average, becomes interesting when viewed in this light.
The modernist era made technology religious, the final source for our hopes of better lives. It has proven both a blessing and a curse. Nuclear technology were better not invented.
What my life would be without a PC though, or the art of printing, or photography, or music, CDs and instruments - technology is part of human nature, almost, I enjoy a saying that technlogy is to men what jewellery is to women, at least that's partly true in our home, though my wife is not a frequent visitor at the goldsmith's.
The tool serves the hand that wields it, but poor tools may also misguide the craftsman, just as well made tools may facilitate important work.
I agree with your comment on men and technology - I think it's true - and I must admit - I really enjoy it!
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