Why is the human heart and mind fascinated by the forbidden, by the dark, the dangerous, and the questionable? Why does it fill our movies, our books, our television shows, our social media, and every other format man has invented for communication? Why do we willingly choose to wallow in the profane and call it pleasure? Have we lived so long in the dark, like one of those blind fish of the subterranean rivers, that we have lost our ability to see or even comprehend light? Even in perfection men were discontent; now we dwell in a ruined world and gorge ourselves on things best left alone and wonder at our wretchedness.
There are things in this world that can make the heart sing or the heart sick, whatever we take in is what we become. One cannot be too careful, most especially in this media saturated age, in what one peruses. Perhaps that is why I prefer to flee to the pages of some classic author rather than keep up with the latest pathetic attempt that passes for entertainment in more modern mediums. Technology, like all inventions, is a two edged sword and can be used for good or ill; it is not the technology but the content that makes a thing good or bad. I enjoy a good Jane Austen movie as much as (sometimes more than) the book.
There is yet much of wisdom and beauty yet to be found in the world, but it has become harder to find amidst a sea of mediocre and crass imitators. Look hard, for it is there. The older the work, likely the easier your search. If you cannot find something of beauty wrought by human hands, perhaps a sunset, a seaside, or a mountain will suffice to make your heart sing and turn your thoughts to higher things. We cannot set our eyes upon the dust and hope to see the stars, nor can we turn our thoughts towards darkness and hope to find enlightenment.
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