Growing into silence

Our social relationships are limited, most of the time, to gossip and criticizing people’s behavior. This observation slowly pushed me to isolate from the so-called social life. My days pass by in solitude. - Ingmar Bergman

Lately, several independent, yet possible intersecting, topics have floated through my mind.
1) Transcendentalism
2) Purpose of blog comments
3) Speaking versus listening

One of my favorite books of all time is Thoreau’s Walden. There is an impossible number of times to which I could reread it and still never get bored with it. Thoreau and Emerson are two of the most famous trandentalist in American history. When writing Walden, Thoreau lived a life of increased solitude. Not quite a hermit, but he still maintained considerable distance from mass people and allowed for hours of reflection. Thoreau manifested his ideas primarily through thinking in solitude. In contrast, the constitution was developed through group conversation.

I would say there are two ways in which theories, ideas, and beliefs (in general) are developed in a person: in solitude reflection or group collaboration. Most of us use a combination of the two. You may attend a department meeting at work to collaborate on a project, but each person brings their individual perspective to the discussion.

Web 2.0, social media, social entrepreneurship, or whatever you may call it, is an extension of collaborative discussion. Or at least it’s suppose to be. Which brings me to my second question: what is the point of blog comments? Or Twitter comments?

Each blog, blogger, Tweeter, etc, has their own ‘goal’ behind engaging in social media. My own personal goal is to develop and foster deep, heated, and a bit controversial discussion. Some may use it as a diary, marketing, or gain social acceptance of their thoughts. There is supposed to be no single correct use.

Lately I have noticed the amount of ‘discussion’ on Twitter and blogs a bit lacking. First, blogs are becoming extremely redundant. How much about Twitter can you possible talk about? It’s a dead topic in my mind. Secondly, very few are introducing new topics or fostering deep conversation. What is the point of a comment that say ‘Great post!’ not once…but 5 times? Besides trying to show support or sucking up to the blogger in hopes to get your back scratch, is there any real thought to it? Where has this so called ‘conversation’ gone?

I rarely see disagreeing comments or comments that foster a discussion. It like no one wants to hear anyone else’s opinion - especially if it’s different. (oh god forbid!!!) The best website with really good comment conversation is Brazen Careerist. Probably due to the fact it’s a bunch of 20 somethings who just piss off everyone. But the great thing about these 20 somethings, is they discuss back. Over and over again. They want a discussion and they know how to foster one.

Thoreau and adversity to discussion lead me to my final thought : Silence. In my twenties, I thrived off conversation. Moving into my thirties, I initially missed it and tried to create some. Evidence is mounting for me to relinquish my voice, and speak very little. My 40’s and beyond will probably be complete silence. I am tired of the same old conversations, the diversion of real topics, and understand the cold reality of people really only want me to listen. Not speak.

So maybe I will build myself a little cabin on a lake. I am not a writer, nor ever wanted to be one, but I can paint. I suppose through my paintings, I am speaking…it will just take a bit more thought to decipher and understand than the average person will ever want to give.