In a letter dated July 10, 1844, to friend and fellow poet Thomas Holley Chivers, Poe gave one of his most often quoted, profound-sounding-yet-elusive comments. He wrote: "Man is now only more active — not more happy — nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago."
Some, who put little effort into it, read this as Poe's admission that he's not happy and is, perhaps, depressed. Such a juvenile interpretation strips the quote of its depth. The "active" nature of humanity Poe refers to refers to the changing cultural climate: the boom in industry, the sudden influx of writers and magazines, the movement from agrarian communities to urban centers, the growth of crime, etc. Does any of that stuff make mankind any happier or wiser?
Is it still true today? Our "activity" is now internet-driven. We make "friends" through Facebook, have "conversations" through e-mail, "meet" people through webcast conferences, and believe that any knowledge worth knowing is available for free on any given web page. Are we happier or wiser today?
Feel free to interpret in the comments.
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Celebrating Edgar A. Poe — the master of the macabre and mystery — throughout his bicentennial year in 2009.
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This blog is no longer being updated.
The blog was created to celebrate Edgar A. Poe throughout his bicentennial year in 2009 in conjunction with a desk calendar published for that year. In finding different anniversaries besides his birthday, I attempted to broaden readers' knowledge and perspective of Poe, his life, his works, and his contemporaries as well as to dispel the half-truths, rumors, and outright lies that have been perpetuated throughout the years. Though this blog is no longer being updated, I believe it is inherently useful to those seeking information on Poe. It is easy to search for what interests you or just to wander at will. I can also be contacted for specific questions.
I now maintain the American Literary Blog.
The blog was created to celebrate Edgar A. Poe throughout his bicentennial year in 2009 in conjunction with a desk calendar published for that year. In finding different anniversaries besides his birthday, I attempted to broaden readers' knowledge and perspective of Poe, his life, his works, and his contemporaries as well as to dispel the half-truths, rumors, and outright lies that have been perpetuated throughout the years. Though this blog is no longer being updated, I believe it is inherently useful to those seeking information on Poe. It is easy to search for what interests you or just to wander at will. I can also be contacted for specific questions.
I now maintain the American Literary Blog.
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5 comments:
I think your interpretation makes a lot of sense. Life is about more than the latest technological developments. (Even if they do help us create author blogs! :-) )
I agree with Gina ,and you. I marvel at how everyone thinks an electric gadget gives happiness. People are beginning to not relate to each other at all,and really don't care to. They would rather be attached to a device. That's their happiness. It's not working!!!
Today being the birthday of Henry David Thoreau (who, so far as I know, had no interaction with Poe), we might want to consider his advice: "Simplify, simplify."
I find it disheartening that anyone reads this quote as superficially as this blog post suggests. I am not sure that I think Poe was referring specifically to the examples mentioned here but, certainly, he is commenting on the "progression" or "evolution," if you will, of society and culture. I suppose he makes a similar comment in his "Sonnet to Science."
My favorite Poe quote. But the funniest Poe quote ever has to be "Democracy is
a very admirable form
of government -- for dogs." (Not that I agree with him, but the antebellum period being what it was. Funny stuff!)
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