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Olivia's picture

reflection

[Why do we need an “I”]

In the class, some students brought up that China has the culture of conformity, and with which Chinese people can be in the state without an “I”. Especially during the Culture Revolution, there was no “I” in China. I don’t agree with that opinion. Even during the Culture Revolution, when every one ought to wear the same clothes, eat the same food, and be totally uniform and indistinguishable, there were still lots of people want to be unique and different, and interestingly those people who sought an “I” were educated and were able to think. Those who didn’t need an “I” and completely followed the uniformity were those neither received education nor read books. The ones without their own opinions are more likely to follow others or copy others. It seems that thinking is requisite for the desire of an “I”. Ones don’t need an “I” for they don’t think or they don’t have their own thoughts. But I don’t know if we need an “I” because we think.

 

[Randomness Again]

I feel that the evolution of culture is the result of a collection of randomness.

Take the expand of Europe as an instance. If there was no compass, if there were no wars in Europe, if Europe had abundant resources, if the Spanish King decided not to support navigations, Europeans may not be the one who expanded. Every condition determines the final result. No one is prior. Randomness is the end of science evolution, and it is the start of the culture evolution. Right now I just have a feeling that the randomness is the connection, but I don't know how to explain it clearly. I think I'll get more inspirations in class to form my final idea.

 

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