On page 126, Shenk notes that "to see the evolution of a particular work of art is to behold how nothing slowly and painfully becomes Something." Additionally, he references legendary musician and artist Brian Eno, who made the memorable claim that "it would be very interesting for people to see how beautiful things grow out of s**t" (Shenk 126). He explains how beautiful forests start from tiny seeds, but asserts that "the most promising seed in the wrong situation turns into nothing."
How does Eno's metaphor apply to "prodigies" such as Mozart and even the common man. How can this apply to the theme of Interdependence in Nature. What kind of environment best allows the human "seeds" to thrive? How does intense effort allow "nothing" to become "something?"
Laura Perlman (laura4@comcast.net)
Eno's metaphor about prodigies translates directly to the argument that Shnek is trying to make throught the novel. The fact that all talent and seeming "gifts" are really just the process of creating that talent or skill out of nothing. This however, isnt entirely the case Shnek is trying to make becasue of the enforcement of the importance of the genes as well. There needs to be an initial knack for one thing in order to have the "something" have a chance of starting.
ReplyDeleteThis goes along with the "seed of humans" and the most essential way for things to grow and for humans to thrive. Humans needs are very vague because there are so many things for individuals to need to thrive on. The definition of thrive goes as far as to say that it is "to enjoy or be successful in a particular situation, especially one that other people find difficult or unpleasant". This means that the ideal environment for people to have to thrive fully is to have the opportunity to do things that matter to them and that make them happy. People are the ones that are creating something out of nothing because they are finding the little and beautiful things in their own particular environments and are making the best out of them. We as humans are naturally inclined to better our situations and are interested in creating something even if everyone told us that there was no way for it to be there.
Source: http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/thrive
Hannah Perl (hannahperl94@gmail.com)
Like mentioned above Eno applies the metaphor of hard working individual from nothing that became something. This message that a seed can create life from nowhere if stimulated right from the environment. Even in movies like Shark Tale the idea of a common fish that becomes a “someone” shows the fight and the will they need to get where they have gotten. This holds true that if an amazing seed that does not receive a good developmental beginning will become nothing. Shenk and Eno both support the idea of practice and hard work will be the reason for why some people can become music prodigies.
ReplyDeleteFor a human seed to grow properly it needs a mentor and a stimulating environment. The mentor has to be a person that will the person grow intellectually while at the same time inspire them to learn further by themselves. A great mentor does not only teach about the subject but also about life. The biological theme of Interdependence in Nature is seen as the backbone of this whole story. The human seeds is dependent on the environment to help it germinate and grow before it can become a tree.
What also should be considered when looking at the theme of Interdependence in Nature is the idea of competition and the affects it has on society. In a way everyone is battling the same enemy of becoming a “someone”. The idea of competition is felt among the humans because not everyone can become a someone. Having some people fail will balance out with some people become prodigies. Knowing the failures will motivate some people who will become extremely talented in their art that they will symbolically become keystone species. By definition keystone species have strong control over their environment in which they live (Campbell 1208). The talented people now would have the ability to control and shape the environment. Consider removing the top talented individuals of a society, what would happen then? Without role models or mentors many “seeds” will never have a chance to become something. No matter the amount of energy that is put into the a subject, without a hero and a mentor that energy will go to waste. But if a mentor is present and is able to direct the energy in a correct way, this seedling will have the ability to become great individual.
Ayana Dambaeva (adambaeva @gmail.com)