To recap, someone mentioned that it is important that we have all of this history written down so that we can learn from the past and not repeat it. I agree. I think that it is important. However, I have worked with a lot of teens who have anger management and severe emotional issues, and it doesn't take long to figure out that they are unable to foresee the consequences of their actions. They live in a different world where everything is distorted, but this world is very REAL to them. Because they internalize things so differently than most, you have to be very careful what you teach them. For example, you may think that by showing a picture of an anorexic girl to another girl with anorexia, would help them see how unhealthy they are becoming. But because they live in an alternate reality, that picture might actually be presenting competition which aggravates their issue. Instead of seeing an unhealthy person, and learning from their past (aka history), they see glory in the fact that someone was "successful" in disciplining and controlling themselves enough to reach new lows. This causes them to explore the tactics that others have used, often taking things to new extremes. Because they are unable to process the consequences, they wind up expounding upon the horrible ideas of those of the past.
If so, should we control which parts of history to make available to the public? I know this seems unfair, but think about it. Some people are truly unhealthy and should not have access to this knowledge. Because knowledge is power. But if this power is put into the wrong hands, history will most certainly be repeated. Think about it in terms of technology. We keep building off of our previous knowledge, and develop more advanced technology. Just like this, for those who are unhealthy, the horrors of the past give rise to ideas to carry out in the future. Whereas, if the gruesome details of history was kept in a book that is unavailable to the public (in order to preserve history) perhaps these ideas would be less likely to be cultivated.Dr. Peterson brought up a very interesting idea. She mentioned that n Alma 33, Alma says not to record the details of history, but to only include the consequences. Perhaps he foresaw this very issue?
Also, Nephi's historical record was not included in the B.O.M., because God did not see it relevant.
However, if we have too little knowledge, it might increase uneducated opinions and conspiracy theories and society could resort to a state of disarray.
...TO BE EXPOUNDED UPON TOMORROW.....
I agree with a lot of the points you made about how history can give people bad ideas, as in the case of Columbine. But I think we need to remember that this is by far the exception rather than the rule. Think of how much good has come from people learning about the holocaust and reading things like Anne Frank and how it has inspired them to do humanitarian efforts.
ReplyDeleteYou ask "should we control which parts of history to make available to the public?" Who is the "we" you are referring to? The government, presumably; you cannot be referring to us specifically because we are the public. And if the government is to control what historical information we have access to, how is that any better than the Chinese government censoring all information related to Tienanmen Square? While I probably am not going to go look into "scary" things such as the most effective ways to kill people or pagan rituals believed to summon devils, that doesn't mean it's harmful to learn about the holocaust or different religions' beliefs.
I agree with Jared. Limiting access to information or knowledge is something entirely opposed to any kind of free civilization. If you're trying to hide bad ideas from sick people, you'll start a process that has dangerous consequences for society.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are certain subjects that should be wisely left alone. However, it's a basic part of freedom and agency to learn about these things. It's my opinion that these Columbine type actions can only be inspired by the devil, in which case he'll find a way to plant the ideas. Hiding knowledge isn't going to stop him.
It is said in our gospel that in the last days there will be an increase in darkness wickedness (many of the things you're mentioning), but also an increase in light and righteousness. Don't despair, and think of all the wonderful knowledge and light being brought forth.
I agree with both Alex and Jared. Unfortunately and fortunately, there is opposition in all things. Thankfully I would say there is a much more positive use of knowledge than sadistic use.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the idea of just recording the consequences fascinates me. What is relevant to record? Do we want to remember sins and the "evil"? Or maybe just how it made us feel and effected us personally.. or impacted society? Within academics such as criminology, there still is a purpose to remembering the sadistic aspect of humanity. However, it is studied so that it can we can learn of patterns in behavior that lead up to the sadistic act to prevent it in the future.