Most changes we make to how we organize human activities (laws, elections, social hierarchies, even art) are solely for the sake of variety and serve no practical purpose. Ie, they don't usually solve a problem, make money, or feed or cloth or house anyone. Changes of this sort are characterized by novelty rather than innovation. We make no real attempt to measure success, and dismiss failure as a benign diversion (eg, gambling) or learning opportunity (eg, Beer Summit).
We feel good because we are doing the same thing a little differently, and if we do that enough, maybe we'll make a difference.
And sometimes we do.
Everyone likes to feel good about themselves. There's nothing wrong with that. It runs governments, museums, lodges, businesses, even churches. But looking for a deeper meaning is fruitless, if not a little dispiriting.
David Bowie - Changes
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I wanted to buy David Bowie's Young Americans LP when I was a kid (for the song Fame), but when Mom saw the cover of Diamond Dogs, this Bowie guy was out of the question. I bought the 45 instead at another time.c0
Started: 2013-01-16
Chuck - I remember your liking that song - and at the time I didn't get, but have since come to appreciate the Ziggy and the Spiders!
ReplyDeleteAfter looking once again at this cover, after all these years, I still would not "let" you buy this. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm older and looking back, I understand better :-)
ReplyDeleteThough there wasn't much to worry about with Bowie, he was among the more insightful and benign glam rockers.
--c0