The Secret Nature of Fire:
I have always thought of fire as nature's television. The countless hours I have spent in front of campfires out backpacking or when I was teaching survival in the Utah desert confirms my belief, as when the sky darkened and a fire was struck all around would come and face the fire in silent contemplation.
It wasn't until a backpacking trip a few months ago that made me think more about the connection between fire and T.V. A close friend of mine commented that it was better if we didn't have a fire that evening, as we would end up focusing to much on the fire and not talking to each other (much like with T.V.).
It seems that humans, much like insects, are hardwired to move toward "the light." For 99% of human existence this light has been fire. Fire acts not only as a source of heat and protection but also as a focal point, a gathering place. Unfortunately, T.V. has replaced fire as our focal point, but unlike fire, our contemplative stares into its light have faded as the T.V. continues to push us even further away from ourselves as well as each other.
I have always thought of fire as nature's television. The countless hours I have spent in front of campfires out backpacking or when I was teaching survival in the Utah desert confirms my belief, as when the sky darkened and a fire was struck all around would come and face the fire in silent contemplation.
It wasn't until a backpacking trip a few months ago that made me think more about the connection between fire and T.V. A close friend of mine commented that it was better if we didn't have a fire that evening, as we would end up focusing to much on the fire and not talking to each other (much like with T.V.).
It seems that humans, much like insects, are hardwired to move toward "the light." For 99% of human existence this light has been fire. Fire acts not only as a source of heat and protection but also as a focal point, a gathering place. Unfortunately, T.V. has replaced fire as our focal point, but unlike fire, our contemplative stares into its light have faded as the T.V. continues to push us even further away from ourselves as well as each other.
felicia_____:
I used to love to watch the fire as a kid; I'm less enthusiastic about the TV.