Is good article. I am reminded that most of my life, or rather, half my life, was spent without computers or cellphone or internet TV. My view of the world is radically different than those whose lives have spanned only the years of those aforementioned electronic devices. My perception of the world and its inhabitants is different. Im glad to have habited a world of mystery and the unknown. Your article highlights those concepts well.
Once again, you are making me, and hopefully all your readers, think. I mean, really think... I woke up this morning feeling bleak and devasted after watching last night's US president's debate. What a mess. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for putting things into perspective. To live our lives as best we can, doing what we must to survive in today's world, but also remembering how small humans are in the vast and unknowable universe...
"The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tons of water..... researchers from Brown University reported in a press release Monday, adding, "That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."
First, they assume we know what a ton of water looks like. Second, they assume we can visualize what 60 Olympic-size swimming pools are like. If they had said it's the equivalent of Cottage Lake in Woodinville WA at least it would direct people to look up Cottage Lake and learn something new. Instead it's such an abstract that it essentially incomprehensible. Why not just say 'that's a lotta water!'
Cody, your article offers a new perspective on how we perceive nature and history. While we're shrinking the world through comparisons, your words are expanding it, reminding us to respect the unfathomable scale and beauty around us.
Is good article. I am reminded that most of my life, or rather, half my life, was spent without computers or cellphone or internet TV. My view of the world is radically different than those whose lives have spanned only the years of those aforementioned electronic devices. My perception of the world and its inhabitants is different. Im glad to have habited a world of mystery and the unknown. Your article highlights those concepts well.
Once again, you are making me, and hopefully all your readers, think. I mean, really think... I woke up this morning feeling bleak and devasted after watching last night's US president's debate. What a mess. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for putting things into perspective. To live our lives as best we can, doing what we must to survive in today's world, but also remembering how small humans are in the vast and unknowable universe...
Thank you! I'm glad if my writing can provide a refreshing look at nature and human nature, and perhaps a little solace in troubled times!
Another fine example of silly comparisons:
"The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tons of water..... researchers from Brown University reported in a press release Monday, adding, "That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."
First, they assume we know what a ton of water looks like. Second, they assume we can visualize what 60 Olympic-size swimming pools are like. If they had said it's the equivalent of Cottage Lake in Woodinville WA at least it would direct people to look up Cottage Lake and learn something new. Instead it's such an abstract that it essentially incomprehensible. Why not just say 'that's a lotta water!'
Cody, your article offers a new perspective on how we perceive nature and history. While we're shrinking the world through comparisons, your words are expanding it, reminding us to respect the unfathomable scale and beauty around us.