Every generation thinks kids are too distracted
This was a warning from Thomas Jefferson that kids were reading way too many novels and it was poisoning their mind.
This demonstrates how each generation thinks the kids are too distracted with (INSERT WHATEVER TECHNOLOGY IS NEW) throughout time.
It reads:
A great obstacle to good education is the inordinate passion prevalent for novels...when this poison infects the mind, it destroys it’s tone, and revolts it against wholesome reading. reason and fact, plain and unadorned, are rejected. nothing can engage attention unless dressed in all the figments of fancy; and nothing so bedecked comes amiss. the result is a bloated imagination, sickly judgment, and disgust towards all the real businesses of life"
Image Description
The image is a historical handwritten letter from Thomas Jefferson, dated March 1818. The highlighted section discusses the negative impact of novels on young minds, emphasizing how they can lead to a "bloated imagination" and "sickly judgment."
Positive Aspects
The image of the letter adds authenticity and historical depth to the blog post. It visually reinforces the timeless nature of concerns about youth distraction, providing a tangible connection to the past.
Key Takeaways
- Every generation has worried about new technologies distracting the youth.
- Thomas Jefferson criticized novels for negatively impacting young minds.
- The pattern of concern continues with each new technological advancement.
Additional Insights
It's amusing to think that novels were once considered as mind-poisoning as today's smartphones or video games. Imagine what Jefferson would say about TikTok! This historical perspective reminds us that each generation's worries might just be a natural part of progress.
