2-1-Q – Preface & Chapter 1
LIL 120 A – Fall 2024
Professor Cripps
2 – Offer 2 Specific Details from the chapter. For each, ID/quote add 3-8 sentences of your own explanation.
“What human beings can and should do, he wrote, is to conquer their fears, accept the fact that they themselves and all things they encounter are transitory, and embrace the beauty and the pleasure of the world.” (pg. 6, para. 3, last sentence).
The quote stuck out to me because it addresses the universal human struggle with fear, particularly the fear of change. Greenblatt suggests that instead of being consumed by fear, we should accept the impermanence of life and focus on appreciating the present. This perspective encourages people to live fully, embracing the beauty and joy in everyday experiences. In a world filled with uncertainty, philosophy challenges us to manage our fears and live with courage and mindfulness, finding meaning in our brief time on Earth.
“Identity came with a precise, well-understood place in a chain of command and obedience.” (pg. 16, para. 1, last sentence).
The quote reflects how, historically, identity was shaped by one’s position in a hierarchical structure. People found purpose and belonging through clearly defined roles, whether in class, occupation, or family, with obedience to authority being central. This sense of identity provided stability but often restricted personal autonomy and self-expression. Which Greenblatt explains through Poggio and his standing and role with the Pope.
In today’s society, while identity has become more fluid and individualistic, many still seek a sense of purpose through structured systems like careers, institutions, or social roles. However, the shift toward personal freedom has created new challenges, such as uncertainty and anxiety about self-definition. People now grapple with balancing societal expectations and the desire for personal authenticity. This struggle is visible in modern issues like identity politics and corporate life, where there’s pressure to conform but also a strong push for self-expression.
1 – Make 1 Connection to Self, to World, or to Text – or Extended by offering a little detail about something mentioned in the text (some light research needed to Extend)
Connection to Self: Stephen Greenblatt talks about Lucretius’ poem being a “…profound, therapeutic meditation on the fear of death…” and how his mother constantly brought up her imminent death to Greenblatt throughout his entire childhood. He mentions how her “obsessive fear”, referring to his mother’s overwhelming anxiety, “cast a shadow” over his life, impacting his experiences and possibly his emotional or psychological development. Now, my mother is not this obsessive over possible death, but she makes it a habit of saying to my sister and I that one day she won’t be here, or before we leave for any event away from our family she insists on creating a scenario that could lead to her death while we are away from her, and then how we are going to miss her when she’s gone. Was it a manipulation tactic to show her more love that in her mind, we lacked? Was it a way to train us to not take for granted each moment we spent with her and other family members? Or does she really have an inherent fear of an impromptu demise–she does seem to bring up spontaneous deaths of others quite often in our household. So I understand Greenblatt’s experiences and feelings on this matter. My sister and I felt frustration and grief everytime she decided to bring up death.
Q – Give us a Good Question to chew on – 1-3 sentences
In Chapter 1, Greenblatt emphasizes the significance of rediscovering ancient texts, like Lucretius’ “On the Nature of Things”, and he talks a lot about it in shaping modern thought. How might the suppression or preservation of certain ideas throughout history influence the way societies develop? What implications does this have for the control of knowledge in today’s world?
The suppression or preservation of ideas has significantly influenced societal development, shaping intellectual and cultural frameworks. Suppressed ideas often keep societies stagnant, maintaining existing hierarchies and beliefs, as seen in the Middle Ages when classical knowledge was overshadowed by religious orthodoxy, which Greenblatt alludes to. Conversely, the rediscovery of texts like Lucretius’ “On the Nature of Things” during the Renaissance sparked intellectual revolutions by introducing new ways of thinking about the universe and human nature, challenging existing beliefs.
Today, control over knowledge remains crucial, with information access shaping political movements, social norms, and individual identities. While the internet has allowed people to gain knowledge, allowing for diverse perspectives and challenging traditional power structures, issues like misinformation and censorship still play a significant role. Thus, just as ancient rediscoveries influenced history, the management of knowledge continues to impact societal evolution.
