There are several key phrases that we found between paragraphs 10 to paragraph 12.
In paragraph 10, Carr gave examples of how Friedrich Nietzsche found the typewriter as a useful instrument, and it rescued him from his exhaustion in his work because of his vision was failing. Once he mastered touch-typing, he was able to write with his eyes closed. He claimed that “the machine had a subtler effect on his work”. One of Nietzsche’s friends noticed “a changed in the style of his writing became even tighter and more telegraphic”. Another key phrase is “his thoughts in music and language often depend on the quality of pen and paper”. In paragraph 12, according to Olds, a professor of neuroscience, “The brain has the ability to reprogram itself on the fly, altering the way it functions.”
Carr seems to be saying that the instrument we use effects the way we express ourselves. As we take time to read, our eyes and mind (brain) coordination processes the information in a more organized way.
The larger cultural “conversation” going on that Carr seems to be responding is: although the machine/technology enables us to work faster and more efficiently, it changes the style of our writing/thinking, and there are less feelings and a lack of compassion as we express ourselves. The disadvantage of having an effective tool or easy accessed resources is that our thoughts are more on the surface when we obtain/process the information. When we spend more time processing information as we read or write, with deeper understanding, we gain more knowledge through the materials.
We found these ideas valuable because Carr states the importance of “Originality”. You find a deeper feeling within yourself when you take your time “in touch” with a pen, paper or book. Carr concerns that Internet is taking away our ability to concentrate although it certainly has its place for this modern century. If we can pace ourselves on processing the information we receive, we will be a better learner in many aspect of life.
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