Poetic Knowledge: Foundation for Science example 2

Example 2 (this won't be as long, I promise!)

Again, Taylor emphasizes, "One of the ...main reasons for using the term poetic was that it is a sensory experience and, at the same time, a passionate one, where we are moved." He then quotes St. Thomas, "For we see that the senses are for the sake of the intellect, and not the other way about. The sense, moreover, is a certain deficient participation of the intellect."


Afterthoughts pointed out this article (which she got from Dawn): Dr. Jeff Myers' antidote to the brain damage caused by excessive media use in children"

This article says the,

"The brain was designed in such a way that work and accomplishment stimulate the executive center of the brain..., which...stimulates the pleasure center of the brain...Work brings satisfaction, and the desire for life satisfaction motivates people to work."

One study in relation to video games and the influence they have on 7-14 yr. old boys found that, "playing video games lights up the pleasure center of the brain while simultaneously shutting off blood flow to the executive center of the brain. In effect, these games offered boys the sense that they had accomplished something without actually having done so.”


Sorry I’m quoting so much, but this is good stuff,

“Consider the shocking implications. The games children play are designed to bring effortless pleasure (movies and music have the same effect). Over time, this slickly produced entertainment ‘tricks’ the brain into by-passing the executive center, making it more rewarding to pursue entertainment and less rewarding to accomplish anything of value.

How to fix this? According to the article, “…to rescue teens from the cultural addiction: engage them in conversation in the context of doing real things.”

How easy is that? The answer is explained more but essentially you “close the Headgates” (there will be a withdrawal period), do meaningful and real work together, and have significant conversations (passive listening to talk will not do the trick).


Here is the conversation science:

“Language lights up the brain…in order to trigger the use of language, both motivation (from the executive center) and arousal (from the pleasure center) are required…Language seems to be a bridge that reconnects the broken-down relationship between the executive and pleasure centers of the brain.”

Satan is so cleaver isn’t he? The very things that are best for us (like work and meaningful conversation) he has tricked us by inspiring men to create things that trick us into entertaining our lives away while forsaking the best. These entertainments dull the senses and trick the mind into weak passion, both essential traits of poetic knowledge…and I venture to say spiritual knowledge.


Did you know that Booker T. Washington’s history is very interesting in relation to this topic? My friend was telling me about his history…he was learned, he taught others who thought to be learned was to not have to work, he was an example to them that work is still for the learned. True education and work are essential parts of God’s plan for us. I see evidence of it in the Poetic Knowledge book, many other classic works, science studies, and a good life in general.