Re: footnote 36, The last line really struck home for me. Perhaps politics is so awful today because history is poorly taught, and too few people have the supreme example of George Washington compared to the clowns of today.
Americans' focus on material values in 1940 was understandable, after a decade of a seriously depressed economy. It's like there is a hierarchy of needs or something. Makes you wonder what Mumford would have written about the Soviet culture in the same period, with its emphasis on increasing industrial production.
Small user experience suggestion: for past chapters that have already been released, it would be great if the end of each post included a link to the next one. Makes it easier to keep the momentum going as a reader.
I was so excited to see a new chapter drop! I’m hoping you write more about the relationship between technology and culture in the future, because it seems like we have a real laissez-faire attitude towards accepting new technology without reflecting on what we give up. Do you also view this as an important piece of the culture puzzle? Optionality and accessibility through technology seems good, but I’d want to pair them with a culture that values integrating technology deliberately and with purpose.
I'm not sure what the point was of comparing a T-bird, one of the most beautiful cars of all time, to a run-of-the-mill modern SUV. Why not compare to a Lotus or a Model S, that are at least arguably well designed?
I was trying to compare what were some of the most popular cars in each decade, not the best. Certainly there are attractive cars made today, the point is that they're more the exception than the rule. Or was the Thunderbird not a common and popular car in its time?
Footnote 46 doesn't have a source, just a quote. Your article makes me think I should get the roof of my car painted a different color. Wonder if they will or can do it.
Re: footnote 36, The last line really struck home for me. Perhaps politics is so awful today because history is poorly taught, and too few people have the supreme example of George Washington compared to the clowns of today.
Great article
Americans' focus on material values in 1940 was understandable, after a decade of a seriously depressed economy. It's like there is a hierarchy of needs or something. Makes you wonder what Mumford would have written about the Soviet culture in the same period, with its emphasis on increasing industrial production.
Loving this series, super excited for the book.
Small user experience suggestion: for past chapters that have already been released, it would be great if the end of each post included a link to the next one. Makes it easier to keep the momentum going as a reader.
Good idea, will do.
I was so excited to see a new chapter drop! I’m hoping you write more about the relationship between technology and culture in the future, because it seems like we have a real laissez-faire attitude towards accepting new technology without reflecting on what we give up. Do you also view this as an important piece of the culture puzzle? Optionality and accessibility through technology seems good, but I’d want to pair them with a culture that values integrating technology deliberately and with purpose.
Thanks for this chapter.
I think all of life should be lived intentionally. Using technology is a part of that.
Ah yes, “intentionally” was the word I was looking for but I was coming up blank!
I'm not sure what the point was of comparing a T-bird, one of the most beautiful cars of all time, to a run-of-the-mill modern SUV. Why not compare to a Lotus or a Model S, that are at least arguably well designed?
I was trying to compare what were some of the most popular cars in each decade, not the best. Certainly there are attractive cars made today, the point is that they're more the exception than the rule. Or was the Thunderbird not a common and popular car in its time?
Footnote 46 doesn't have a source, just a quote. Your article makes me think I should get the roof of my car painted a different color. Wonder if they will or can do it.
Excellent article. I think that this is your strongest excerpt yet.