Read Ch.5 & 6, pp.79-110
Post a response by SUNDAY 5/31 midnight. Identify yourself by first name only and period. (ex: Ryan, per. 7).
Your response should include a summary, how what you read relates to
what you have learned in AP Biology, and an opinion. You will be
graded, so write thoughtful, well-written responses.
Alexis, period 7
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with the man listening to that last part of his recording from the day before so that he can remember what he was saying and pick up to finish the rest of the “creation myth” for humans. He concludes that once man has complete control of the world (“no pollution. We’ll turn the rain on and off...no more hurricanes, no more tornadoes, no more droughts...”), they will move into the “Star Trek” era and begin to learn how to conquer space. Ishmael helps him to reach the conclusions that this can never be achieved because man is flawed and spoiled. They then move to talk about gods and why people believe in them. The man decides it’s because the gods have the answers and know how humans should live. Ishmael asks why people need gods to tell them this, and the man responds that there is no true way to find the laws that govern human life. Ishmael makes a very interesting point comparing the laws of aerodynamics to the laws of human life. He says that even back in ancient times, there were still laws of aerodynamics, but people didn’t acknowledge them because they didn’t know they existed. Because of this, there must be laws governing human life, we just haven’t discovered them yet. The man, however, remains very stubborn and refuses to accept this belief. Ishmael goes on to say that the gods played three tricks on humans: they didn’t put the Earth in the center of the universe, they made man evolve from the same “common slime” as everyone else, and they didn’t exempt man from the law that governs the lives of all organisms. Ishamel explains how experimenting with the law of civilization is very much like experimenting with the law of aerodynamics. If you just jump off of a cliff, you aren’t flying, you are in free fall. Similarly, if you try to make a successful civilization without following any laws, you will just be getting closer and closer to your demise. In both situations, if you don’t follow the laws, failure is coming towards you at an accelerating rate. These chapters don’t talk a lot about biology, but I did realize a point that Ishmael might be trying to prove. Biology exists to disprove the theory that Earth was made for man. People who believe in creationism instead of biology probably think that Earth was made for man, and are the reason that our civilization might be coming to a crashing halt very soon.
Abby, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter five opens with Ishmael asking to hear the end of the story the man has come up with. The man continues by saying that man's destiny was to conquer the world, and we are mastering the world. However, we cannot manage to master the world without destroying the valuable resources we need. Ishmael says we need to increase our mastery until we have absolute control. Ishmael says that Earth is made to be a paradise, but it is ruined by human stupidity, greed, destructiveness, and shortsightedness. Clearly, humans are a flawed species and this makes fulfilling our destiny very difficult. He then moves on to discuss why humans follow people like prophets. Prophets knows what we need to do to live. Ishmael and the man conclude their day with their goal for the next day. They will try to explore the axiom that will maybe show them how humans need to live. Then, chapter six begins with an attempt to climb over the obstacle that will reveal how humans ought to live. Ishmael uses humans learning to fly as an analogy to learning how we should be living. Humans have had to go by trial and error to discover the laws that must be followed to fly. Like the law of gravity, it cannot be changed with a simple vote like other laws, they are absolute and no one is exempt from them, not even humans the pinnacle of evolution. Ishmael goes on to say how the Gods have played tricks on humans. We thought the Earth was in the center of the universe, they made us think that we were the climax of creation, and that we are still getting used to this idea. But the worst trick played on us was we are not exempt from any laws, and if we break them, we won't live forever. He also uses the law of aerodynamics to show how when we were learning how to fly, we confused this feeling with free falling. We thought that if we kept peddling our contraption just a little harder, we would start to fly upwards instead of down. Instead of abandoning our ship (our current way of life), we keep thinking that if we pedal harder, we will be ok. We need to change our ship/our way of life if we are to stop free falling.
Throughout these two chapters, there isn't as much biology as there is physics. Ishmael talks a lot of about the laws of life, such as gravity and aerodynamics. They connect seamlessly to the idea of humans achieving the ultimate status in life. Biology disproves the idea that humans are the climax of evolution because we are not exempt from any of the laws of life. If we were, we would be exempt from such laws that every other species must follow because we would be the peak of evolution. Similar to an absolute monarchy, everyone underneath him must follow his laws, but the monarch does not. He has absolute power, and humans do not meet that criteria. I am intrigued with where Ishmael has taken his lessons with the man. Ishmael is starting to make very bold statements about humans as a species and the real purpose we were put on this Earth. He makes it very clear that we need to make a change otherwise we will fall into extinction and may take the rest of the world with us. I am interested to see whether the man actually takes anything that Ishmael says to heart and puts it to good use because he has the information to change the world, I think the question now is, will he? I look forward to seeing how the rest of the story unfolds and what bold steps Ishmael is willing to take with his student.
Clare, Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael and the narrator review the story thus far. The narrator then tries to figure out the edn of the story. He says that man is out on Earth to conquer it, but has caused many problems for the planet. Therefore, man must acquire complete control over Earth, so it can have favorable qualities, basically like a paradise. When asked why humans are obsessed with prophets, the narrator tells Ishmael that humans rely on prophets for guidance. The next day, Ishmael draws a parallel about gravity and life. In order to understand gravity, one must study mass; similarly, in order to understand how to live, one must study life. The Taker’s gods have restricted the Takers in multiple ways: humans are not the center of the universe, humans evolved from ancestors, and they are not exempt from the laws of life. The narrator adds that if his culture is destroyed by catastrophe, people will do the same thing over again.
These chapters once again relate to how humans have abused the Earth because we believe we are the most important thing to ever exist.
I think it is interesting how Ishmael was able to connect life to gravity. To understand how to live, one must observe and study life.
Kira Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael has the man listen to his recording of the middle and beginning of the story again so he can attempt to tell the end of the story. He recalls that humans were put on Earth to conquer it, however this has caused problems and they have been destructive. The only way for the problem to be solved is if man carries out the plan and completely conquers every level of the Earth. Ishmael is pleased with the response, but unsurprisingly asks the man what the "but" part of the story is, or the unspoken ending. The man says that the consequence is that humans have flaws and are probably just going to keep messing things up. Ishmael continues to help the man complete the myth. He asks why the Takers are so obsessed with the prophets and the man says its because the Takers are clueless and don't know how to do anything so the prophets showed them what to do. This is man's flaw. They do not know how to do anything on their own. Ishmael admits that the Taker philosophy is not the best/only one that exists. The next day, Ishmael begins by making a comparison between the Takers and the first aeronauts. He says that aeronauts tried to fly before they could understand the law of aerodynamics. Ishmael wants to establish a law on how to live. Next they go on to talk about gravity. Ishmael asks how they know about the laws of gravity and how it works. The man says that Mother Culture would say that laws don't apply to humans because they are superior to everyone and then Ishmael begins to explain how the law of living does apply to everyone. To begin his explanation he tells the man how the gods tricked the Takers: they are not the center of the universe, they evolved like every other organism, and they do apply to the laws of life. Ishmael brings up another metaphor about a man not knowing the difference between falling and flying. After analyzing the metaphor, Ishmael and the man reluctantly agree that even if man kind fails, they will do the same thing over and over again.
I don't see as much biology in this section as the last section. Rather, there is more of physics when Ishmael talks about gravity. There is a little biology when Ishmael says that one of the tricks by the gods was that humans evolved like other animals.
The story is progressing in an interesting way. I like hearing about the Takers and the Leavers because their input in the story adds to the appeal. Ishmael's metaphors and parallels were also a good addition because it helped me understand the story better and it allowed me to compare the story to things I already know. Overall, I think I'm starting to get a hang of all the new ideas introduced so far that were very confusing at first.
Jess, Period 1
ReplyDeleteSo these 2 chapters start with Ishmael telling the guy to listen to the recording of the beginning and middle of the story so he can come up with the end. The guy explains that even though man was put on earth to conquer it, they have cause many problems. He concludes by saying that man just needs to pursue the mastery of the world at every level. When Ishmael heard this he adds in a "but", because he believes humans are inherently flawed and will screw up no matter what. Now the guy does not agree with this at all and argues with Ishmael. When he is confronted by Ishmael he admits that he only has the history of his hunter-gatherer culture. Ishmael tells him that they need to find a few more pieces of the puzzle that they need to cover before they move on and then brings up the topic of prophets. He asks why the Taker culture is so obsessed with prophets and the guy says its because "Mother Culture" says they don't know how to live, so prophets help them. They conclude that humans flaw is that they don't know how to live.
In chapter 6 Ishmael starts by making a parallel between Taker culture and the first aeronauts. He talks about how the aeronauts tried to fly before they understood the laws of aerodynamics. They also bring up the discovery of gravity and the guy agrees with the premise that no one was shocked at the fact of gravity because they had seen it before. Ishmael asks the guy how gravity was discovered and he suggests that, in order to understand how to live, one must study life. Ishmael suggests that the Takers' gods tricked the Takers in three ways.First, they are not the centers of the universe. Second, Humans evolved just like everyone else, even if they feel like they are above evolution. Third, they are not exempt from the laws of life. He goes back to the earlier attempts at flight, how even if a man jumps off a cliff in a winged-contraption, they may feel like they are flying, but they are not. Eventually, he will fall to the earth because the craft has not followed the rules of aerodynamics. He also talks about how Takers abandoned attempts at civilization and only continues with this one because it has worked so far. The chapter ends with the guy jumping to the end of Ishmael's lecture and how people will just do the same thing again and again if the guys culture ends in catastrophe. Ishmael agrees.
The biology in these two chapters are not really that present but the science is mainly the laws of gravity and aerodynamics. They talk about them and how they apply to the people, they also talk about evolution.
I am really enjoying the book and I think it is going in a really good direction. I like how we keep going to the Takers and the Leavers and how they relate because it gives a new way of looking at the story. Everything is starting to make more sense now, which is good, because I was quite confused at the beginning.
I now see that this telepathic gorilla thing is really here to stay so I have decided to deal with it, but just know that in the back of my mind I do not approve.
Richard Period 7
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 starts off with a recap of what the guy and Ishmael have so far. They got the beginning and middle. Then they listen to the tape. Ishmael stay humans are mastering the world. However, humans have not enough mastery to stop devastating the world. They only way to save the planet is to increase our mastery. Complete control is key. Unfortunately, mankind's flaws include greed, stupidity, and destruction. Man is a foe to the world and the world is now bleeding. He goes onto to talk about the prophets such as Moses, Jesus and that the Takers are enormously influenced by them. The prophets tell people how to live, everyone has the knowledge to do everything else, but no one knows how to live. The flaw is that man doesn’t know how he ought to live. Ishmael then brings up tourism. He speaks about, how to the Natives, landmarks are invisible, but tourists find it interesting. This is what they have been doing for the past few days. Looking at the historical events in human history that everyday people see as invisible. They both conclude their is no knowledge on how to live. That border of knowledge ends at humanity, it you go beyond, you fall of the edge. According to the maps of humanity the knowledge isn’t there. But tomorrow, Ishmael says they will stir up the courage to cross the border and not fall off. Chapter 6 has an enormous analogy. Ishmael says we don’t need prophets to tell you how to live, the guy and Ishmael can find out themselves. Ishmael talks about the aeronauts, and how the early ones proceeded by trial and error because they didn't know a law. Ishmael connects the lesson by talking about the community of life and asks if there are any laws written for this community. He asks if there are any laws humans are exempt from. They guy can’t think of any. Ishmael ends off this part of the lesson by saying the gods have played a trick on the Takers, the worst of these tricks was that the gods did not exempt man from the laws that govern the lives of grubs, ticks, and shrimp. Those who do not follows the law will become extinct. Now comes the part where Ishmael delivers a great analogy. The trial and error of the earlier aeronauts who didn’t obey the law of aerodynamics are synonymous to the civilization flight. Ishmael states, as an aernout with his contraption flies off the cliff, it seems he is flying but is actually in free fall and will soon hit the found. Like man will do eventually. The law is catching up to them at an accelerating rate. Humanity’s trial and error, instead of obeying the law, will lead to its destruction.
In regards to biology, the book is talking about a futuristic perspective about controlling the weather, which is Ishmael's idea of mastery. Such scientific advances can dramatically change the climate. Places in Africa with little rainfall have the possibility of receive adequate rainfall if humanity makes such advances. This type of future is very idealistic and promising. However, will humanity be able to do such a thing before the other detrimental effects we are causing catch up? That was Chapter 5 in a biological perspective. Chapter 6 is more about physics.
Quinn is the master of analogies. I have never read a book that has put so much thought into something that actually matters, our planet. As humans, and because of the agricultural revolution, we have broken most of the laws of nature. We are even tampering with her. If people keep being greedy and destructive, it will be a quick end for the human race. I never thought one of the methods of saving our planet is to master it, I have always thought of it as conservation efforts taken to the extreme.
Chris, Period 1
ReplyDeleteTo first refresh the man's memory, Ishmael plays back his final thoughts from the day before and then prompts him to tell the end of the story. The man reasons that man is attempting to assert himself as the absolute rulers of the world, remarking, "And that may be the ultimate destiny of man: to conquer and rule the entire world." Ishmael approves of this ending, noting that: "the world was made for man to conquer and rule, and under human rule it was meant to become a paradise." However, he prompts his pupil to notice that man's conquest has been more destructive then he imagined, because people believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with man. Ishmael prompts the man further by pointing out that there is a fundamental law that all life must obey, but that man is unaware of. To clarify, he uses the the laws of gravity and flight as metaphors, relating that man is actually free falling when he believes that he is flying. Ishmael concludes that "Trial and error isn't a bad way to learn how to build an aircraft, but it can be a disastrous way to learn how to build a civilization."
Biology is not particularly prevalent in these two chapters but another closely related science, physics is. Ishmael and the man discuss both Newton's law of gravity and the law's of aerodynamics in their intellectual discussions.
I am starting to get frustrated since Ishmael hasn't yet revealed what his plan is to change the world or what this fundamental law that man is not obeying is. Still, I am intrigued by his train of thought and am motivated to keep reading to find out.
Sabrina, Period 7
ReplyDeleteChapters 5 &6 start off with Ishmael and the guy trying to finish the story of the creation myth. They go over the story so far and think of ways that it should be ended. The man states that humans were made to conquer the Earth, however they are destroying it and causing more problems and that the one solution to this is to learn more and conquer more of the world. Ishmael seems to be happy with the man’s answer however he asks what the “but” to his story is. The man explains that the “but” is that humans will not stop destroying things until everything is gone. He describes that this is their flaw. Ishmael continues to speak about how humans are obsessed with the idea of prophets because they need to follow someone’s rules on how to live. He says that if humans knew how to live then they wouldn’t have that flaw of destroying everything. They end the session for the day and begin the next day with the topic of axioms. Ishmael compares Taker culture with aerodynamics and how the aeronauts did not know about the law of aerodynamics when they tried to make an airplane to fly; rather, they just used trial and error. He describes another metaphor this time speaking about gravity and how humans aren’t exempt from this and how there is a similar law that governs how every living creature is supposed to live. Humans think that they are not subject to this law and that is the reason why they are so destructive. In further explaining this, Ishmael states that the gods tricked the Takers in three ways; they’re not the center of the universe, humans didn’t evolve from anything greater than any other organism, and that they’re not exempt from following the laws that govern life. He continues with the metaphor of falling and flying and that humans aren’t able to understand the difference between the two and the impact that can have. In the end, the man and Ishmael both agree that no matter what happens, if man falls, he will repeat his mistakes over and over.
The biology in this chapter is not very apparent, however the laws of physics are mentioned and explored.
I am enjoying this book. As I read I feel my mind becoming open to the different theories that Ishmael speaks about. I’m starting to see that Ishmael is starting to explore the end of the world and mankind, but I don’t see how he will save the world. I’m anxious to learn more.
Imogen, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with the guy finishing the story of the myth. They conspire possible endings. The guy thinks that the Earth is there to be conquered by men but instead we are destroying it and making more problems. However, the ‘but’ of the story is that men will not stop until everything is destroyed. Ishmael goes on to talk about prophets. The next conversation they have is about axioms. Ishmael compares the taking culture to aerodynamics. He explains that humans think they are exempt from certain laws and this is a flaw. Ishmael says that God has tricked the takers in three ways: they’re not the center of the universe, humans didn’t evolve from anything greater than any other organism, and that they’re not exempt from following the laws that govern life. In this section there is not a lot of biology, but there is some physics. As I read this book, I want to defend the human race to Ishmael but as I continue reading, I get to see his point.
Owen Period 1
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 5 and 6, the man attempts to figure out the end of the story. He reasons that man was created to conquer Earth, though he he has created many problems in doing so. The man concludes by stating that the only way for man to fix these problems is to further "master" the world. However, the man realizes that humans are flawed and will continue to fail. It is at this time that Ishmael questions human's need for prophets. The man decides it is because they do not know how to live their life and look for guidance. The two agree that this is the flaw in humans. The next day Ismael begins by mentioning laws; what they are, how they are found, and what they really mean. He compares the law of how to live life with other well know laws, such as gravity. However, humans do not understand this law and would naturally think themselves above it. Ishmael then states that the takers culture has been a constant decline ever since it began, only continuing on because it got them that far. This is when the man understands that this cycle will just repeat itself over and over again.
Biology is not very prominent in these two chapters, however there is a good deal of physics, including gravity and Newton.
I think the book is getting progressively more interesting. There were a few ideas introduced this chapter such as our culture has been heading in a downward spiral ever since the beginning, that i found very interesting. However, I want to know what the law he keeps mentioning is and what is plan is, as he has not yet revealed this information.
Kunal Sengupta, Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael refreshes the memory of the narrator by having him listen to the recordings of the beginning and middle of the myth. He realizes that humans were made to rule the Earth however, he also takes note that there isn’t complete peace and harmony with humans ruling our world. There is some destruction and disharmony. The only way to overcome this problem, the narrator says, is by taking over nature, controlling when it rains, controlling temperature etc. Ishmael is happy with the narrator’s response and gives a response of his own. His ending to the myth offers a “but” part. Ishmael basically says that humans are flawed and will continue to destruct themselves. Ishmael goes on in this chapter, discussing the importance of prophets in human culture. He talks about how humans cannot figure out the true way to live and thus designate this task to prophets. This is THE one flaw of humans. In the next chapter, Ishmael describes a new analogy that pairs with civilization. He starts by describing the law of gravity and how it applies to everything on the universe with no exceptions. Then he begins to describe laws of flight. The analogy Ishmael discusses is that all species start out trying to fly by jumping of a cliff. If they are succeeding then they are truly flying through the air, however the ones that will become extinct are free falling. Human civilization is free falling but they’re in a delusion that they are flying. If they continue then they will go on the verge of extinction he said.
There isn’t much biology in this section. It talks more about physics when he discusses laws of gravity. These chapters were really intriguing, especially the analogy he used. This metaphor was one of the most clever one’s I, personally, have ever read. The way he told it was amazing as well. Ishmael is very persuasive for a gorilla.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deletepersuasive for a gorilla? what are you trying to say, human scum?
DeleteGriffin Wyckoff, Period 7
ReplyDeleteThe chapter begins with Ishmael playing back the recorder so that the man can listen to what he said for the beginning and middle portions of the story. After listening to the tape the man goes on to finish what he has to say. The only way we will be able to save the planet is if we have complete control of it. After finishing the story, Ishmael explains to the man that humans will continue to destroy themselves and their planet. Then he goes on to talk about prophets and their importance in human culture. He explains that humans have trouble figuring out the way to live and designate tasks to prophets. Ishmael then makes an analogy that explains human civilization. He first says that humans have the law of gravity and they don’t truly know what it is. They think that they are above it. The next is that humans think they are flying, when they are actually free falling. If they don’t pick it up, they will become extinct.
In these two chapters, nothing really relates to Bio. Physics on the other hand has some relations, like gravity.
I liked how Ishmael made the connection between human civilization and flight. Right now we are falling through the air and if we don’t get things together, well smack the ground. If we do though, we will fly as high as the birds.
Aaron, Period 1
ReplyDeleteGoing to have cut to the chase today, lost an hour to Windows Movie Maker being terrible and I’m in a bad mood.
Ishmael asks Dummkopf to find the end to man’s story. He figures that man thinks itself to be the ruler of the world. It is his job to conquer everything and bring order to it. As a side effect of bringing order, man destroys some things, as man can be terrible, like Windows Movie Maker. Ishmael uses an on-point metaphor about a man pedaling a doomed flying machine for a great fall, thinking that he is flying and the abandoned machines around him are quitters. This is an excellent metaphor for civilizations thinking that they are doing very well until the last few moments before they hit the ground. It’s also similar to how a project using Windows Movie Maker ends up. Like, for real. It’s soooooo bad. I almost beat up the wall it’s so terrible. Fortunately, I switched to Adobe Premiere and ended up with a slightly better video. Like Ishmael said, I needed to use a new “machine” rather than “pedal harder”.
I guess there’s some bio or something when Ishmael mentions some elements of survival of the fittest and such. He also mentions the control of the environment that humans wish to achieve through science.
The chapter was interesting. The metaphor was dead on and brought up questions of the future. Will humans switch to a better flying machine in time? Will they just pedal? Will Windows Movie Maker ever not be trash? When does a man learn to stop using the same joke over and over again? Who knows.
props to beating Windows Movie Maker's dead horse
DeleteSam, Period 7
ReplyDeleteThroughout chapters 5 and 5 the ending to the creation story is discovered by Ishmael and the narrator. Chapter 5 begins with the narrator recounting the creation myth to Ishmael so that they can finish it. The narrator says that although man was put on the Earth as a conqueror, this has caused more problems than solutions. The only way to overcome these problems is to control nature, which will eventually lead to the human race spreading out across the universe to conquer it. Ishmael is pleased with the narrator's ending to the story, however his ending to the myth has a "but" part, which states that humans are inherently flawed and will continue to destroy themselves for the rest of time. Although the narrator originally is dumbfounded and cannot believe what Ishmael said, he has no support throughout history to disprove his claims that humans will destroy themselves. They then talk about the role of prophets in society and the narrator says that they are important because humans don't know how to live without prophets telling them what to do. Ishmael then concludes, saying that one of the human's flaws is they don't know how to live. In the following chapter, Ishmael makes a connection between the first humans to fly and the takers. He says that although the first people to fly did not understand the laws of aerodynamics, the law still applied to them. Ishmael then says he wants to determine a universal law used to determine how people live. He then says this also applies to the laws of gravity. After Ishmael tells the narrator to analyze each of these examples and how they were left undiscovered for so long, he comes to the conclusion that in order to live, one must study life. Ishmael then describes the laws of flight and how all species began flying by jumping off a cliff. The ones that succeed are flying through the air, while the ones that free fall go extinct. He then says that human civilization thinks they are flying, but in reality they are free falling. If this continues, the humans will go extinct.
The biology that is mentioned in this section of the novel is the survival of the fittest analogy used by Ishmael when describing the differences between flight and free falling in nature.
One aspect of this section that interested me was the human's mindset that they are a dominant, unbreakable species that is "flying," but in reality they are free falling.
Maddie, Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael rewinds the tape and they talk about the middle and end of their story. They decide it's man's destiny to conquer the world, but they keep messing it up. Ishmael says that the story humans have grown up with lead them to take control of the world and lead it downhill. They then discuss how there is no one right way to do something, even though society seems to think so. Ishmael says mankind needs to figure themselves out then they can stop destroying everything up. The Takers are destroying the Leavers. The next say they meant and talk about how some things govern the world the same way across the board and if those laws were obeyed, then the world would be a better place. The gods challenged the Takers three times. The Takers always try to exclude themselves from the law.
Maybe I didn't pick up on it, but I don't think there was much biology.
I really liked how Ishmael said the gods challenged the humans uniqueness. He meant for people to be like any other species, but thats not how it ended up.
Patrick Moriarty Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael leads the mysterious unnamed person to come up with the end of the story of man. Man determines that he believes that men are the rulers of the world. Ishmael says the humans are dumb and will end life as we know it. Ishmael says we need to stop doing what we are doing and begin to be smarter rather than dumber, being smarter will help save life on earth while being dumber will not accomplish this feat. Ishmael mentions something along the lines of making in rain when they want and all that fun stuff which really makes no sense what so ever because that clearly will not be able to happen
Biology is mentioned because of the concept of animals and such. Rain atmosphere and those cool fun things.
That chapter was fine as mentioned in my previous blogs I hate reading. Its just not very fun, but i guess you have to do it for school and what not. Anyway If this book was a movie and i where to watch this 25 minutes of the movie I would say that they are kinda intersting however since it is reading the chapters are dumb.
In chapter 5, Ishmael pressures the narrator to finish the end of the story, The narrator concludes that humans are flawed and will forever ruin their paradise that they have been trying to create. Then Ishmael asks the narrator why humans are so obsessed with prophets, in which the narrator replies with the explanation that humans do not know how to live, so they rely on prophets to tell them how to. Ishmael ends with a build up on the narrator's statements and says that if humans knew how to live, then their flaws would be in check. Chapter six starts off with a new day with Ishmael creating a parallel between the Taker culture and the law of aerodynamics and gravity. He also added in an analogy that illustrated that humans feel like they are succeeding, but unreality they are accelerating towards extinction.
ReplyDeleteThere were few to no connections to biology in this chapter, but rather to Physics by the laws of aerodynamics and gravity.
I think Ishmael is blowing humankind's destroying quality out of proportion. Although I agree that humans are one of the main reasons of the next mass extinction, I think that Ishmael is illustrating that ALL humans believe that they are the center of the universe, when in reality a substantial amount think the opposite.
Grace Period 7
ReplyDeleteIshmael makes the guy listen to the recording so the guy remembers what he said and then the man finishes his story. He says if humans have complete control over earth than they can save it. Ishmael then says to the guy that no matter what humans will continue to destroy the planet and themselves and explains the importance of prophets in human culture. Ishmael says humans have difficulty figuring their way of life and designating tasks to prophets. Ishmael then goes on to make an analogy saying that humans don’t truly understand gravity but they have the law of gravity and all species at the beginning jump off a cliff to fly and those who are successful are truly flying. Humans think that they are flying when they are really actually free falling and Ishmael thinks they are self destructive and will cause their own extinction.
Biology doesn’t appear much in these chapters but physics is present with the law of gravity. It is interesting how Ishmael related the existence of the human race to the law of gravity acting on a free falling object. It is actually kind of scary to think about how we are falling through the air with the inability to fly and no matter how hard we try to stay up and not crash to our death we will never have the ability to fly and therefore never have the ability to change the course of our species existence. Ishmael is saying that the mass extinction of the human race (like in the movie Super Volcano) is inevitable.
Gerard, period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with Ishmael and the man (STILL DONT KNOW HIS FRICKING NAME)(I'm losing hope) attempting to figure out the end of the story of evolution. But first, they begin by recounting the story thus far, making it easier for the man to continue. The man continues by saying that the man must force through to their inevitable goal of conquering. Ishmael asks him what the "but" at the end of the sentence is and the man concludes that humans are flawed and aren't perfect. They finish and Ishmael says they are close to finishing the story but they aren't there yet. They are very close though. Ishmael then asked him why the "takers" are so obsessed with prophets. He responds by saying that humans don't know how to live so they rely on the prophets for the answer. They conclude by saying that the human flaw is that they don't know how to live. Chapter six begins in a new day where Ishmael compares the takers culture and the laws of physics. He then goes on to talk about how the gods have tricked the Takers. The man ends by stating that the humans will continue trying and trying if it ends in catastrophe because it has work so far.
There is little bio in this section of the book but in chapter 6, there is a lot of connection to physics and the laws of aerodynamics and gravity.
I am really enjoying this book a lot and it is very eye-opening. The connections Ishmael makes are astounding!
I've decided to switch the order up a little. Everyone always starts with the summary and then goes on to talk about bio and then their interest level.
ReplyDeleteI am INCREASINGLY less interested in this book as it goes on. As mentioned before I avoid reading at all costs and reserve those few occasions of setting my eyes on the text of a book for english class merely so that I get a passing grade and not get charged by the government for being a delinquent. That being said I don't care much for what a fictional talking gorilla from 1992 has to say about life as we know it.
As for the mandatory connection to the class we read this book for, I see very little admissible evidence for biology being involved in this book. They mention the atmosphere, weather and evolution every once in while but then again anything can be related to biology and ecology in some way. Although especially in this chapter physics is mentioned, which isn't biology but it is science.
The events of this week's (I'm sorry the past few days not even a full week) reading goes as follows. The unnamed man, who should really have a name at this point. I understand it isn't relevant to the story and everyone feels that it should be over looked but seriously I want him to have a name, isn't this book about discovery? How are you supposed to discover the mysteries of life if you don't know your own name? Anyway, the unnamed man and Ishmael play back the tape recording that way they can reflect on their past discussions. The man picks up from where he left off and explains that man's goal is to conquer and become relevant but all of that situational. The man admits that humans are flawed and are not perfect. Ishmael builds on that and says that humans are stupid and are going to keep getting stupid, unless they change they will end life as we know it. (FUNFACT: in 1995 twice as many high school dropout were employed as high school graduates, thanks to minimum wage jobs). The two talk about prophets, civilization and culture. They somehow relate human's way of life to the laws of physics saying humans think their flying when really they're free-falling. Basically humans are killing themselves by thinking they are perfect, but unless they smart up real fast, they're never gonna learn how to fly (or else the human race is going to be a suicide victim)
Surina, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with the guy reviewing the previous day's story as he and Ishmael try to figure out the end of the story. Then the guy explains that as man has worked towards his destiny he has begun to destroy the world and the only solution is for man to gain complete mastery of the earth. However, the guy comes to realize that this may not be possible because humans are inevitably flawed and will always find a way to screw things up. This can be blamed on the fact that humans don't really know how to live. In addition, since humans don't know how to live they look to things like religion and prophets to give them answers. Ishmael goes on to talk about how the takers, like natives, do not notice the things that are around them everyday, unlike the leavers who are similar to tourists. After that, in chapter 6 Ishmael talks about how the first aeronauts began to fly and how they did this through trial and error and eventually discovered the laws of aerodynamics. Therefore, in order for humans to learn how to live they must study life and learn those laws. But humans have been led to believe that they are above all laws that apply to other creatures because obviously they are separate and more sophisticated. However, Ishmael points out that laws like gravity, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics apply to all creatures including humans so then why would humans think they are exempt from the laws of life? Furthermore, Ishmael talks about how God tricked humans in three ways and points out how humans think they should be at the center of the universe. He also includes the analogy that humans might just be free falling. While things have been going great so far that is just because we haven't come near the bottom yet. As we see fallen civilizations we think that we are different because we have done well so far. But eventually we will crash and burn however, the guy points out that even after that, man will repeat those events.
There wasn't too much biology, but it did mention the laws that govern creatures when it comes to living. We discussed that in class, but chapter 6 mainly talks about physics, gravity, and the laws of aerodynamics. Quinn uses these as analogies to explain things to the guy, but mostly to us.
This book is extremely philosophical and while I prefer works that have plots I am really enjoying this. It's not something I would normally pick up to read, but now it has me interested. It helps a lot when Ishmael uses analogies and explains things in depth. I've been trying to really read it slowly and think about it so I can understand everything and I wonder at the end what the solution is for man's apparent inability to follow the laws of life that is leading to our destruction.
The talking gorilla, ishmael, makes the guy listen to the tape recording. They go over how they each believe the myth should end. They disagree. They continue to discuss different aspects of evolution and the different beliefs and opinions that go along with it. They compare the takers culture and the laws of physics. According to him, the gods have tricked the takers.
ReplyDeleteThe only resemblance of biology in these chapters is the overshadowing theme of evolution. However, physics seems to play a role in it as well.
Personally, the book has gotten less interesting. In the beginning, I was intrigued with the story line and ishmael's beliefs. However, the boredom is beginning to set in.
Katie, period 7
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 5 Ishmael prompts the narrator to finish (their account of) the story of creation. Pointing out that man's mastery of the Earth - all its organisms and all its resources and all its properties - has sent them to the brink of self destruction, he nonetheless leads The Guy to conclude that the only salvation is to complete our total conquest of the planet. That way all the negative side effects from our first go at it will be solved by our indomitable will, and our ability to control ALL of nature, since apparently all the problems we have stem from the incompleteness of our rule (e.g. pollution, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc etc). In the next chapter they search for a law (an axiom) that will tell mankind how to live (without destroying itself). The narrator believes there isn't one, but Ishmael says that its our own human arrogance that makes us think a law as universal as that doesn't apply to us, only to lower animals on the food chain.
There hasn't been much biology yet, but I'm not complaining because I guess this entire question of man's relation to the outside world fits into an idea about our place in nature.
I really like this book, and how it makes you think while also being very easy to read.
Sarah, Period 7
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with Ishmael listening to the rest of the man’s story. He states that the reason humans are on Earth is to conquer it. However, he also mentions that the human race is destroying resources, while conquering the planet. If the human population conquers each and every level of the planet, then the problem will be solved. Ishmael then proceeds to ask the man what the part of the story he has not shared is about. The man responds by saying that he recognizes how flawed the human race is. Ishmael then asked how the Takers’ obsession with the prophets began. The man responded by saying that the prophets were much more intelligent than the Takers, so the Takers felt as though they should follow the prophets around, in order to follow their example. It is then revealed that this is the main problem with man: he cannot do many things by himself. Ishmael and the man then discuss what their goal for the next day will be. The following day, Ishmael uses humans learning to fly as an analogy to the way humans ought to be living. The analogy works between it took a lot of trial and error to discover what laws need to be obeyed in order to fly. Ishmael then goes on to discuss how the Gods have been tricking the humans. It used to be the common belief that the Earth was the center of the Universe, but that has now been disproven and it is the common belief that everything revolves around the Sun. This helps to show that humans are not exempt from any laws of the Universe.
There was not a lot of biology in this section, but instead, there was physics. The law of gravity was mentioned, as well as different principles of the science.
I am continuing to enjoy this book. Again, I think it is really interesting how this book really makes you think about everything in a completely different way.
Zack, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with the man finishing his story with Ishmael. He tells Ishmael how human are on Earth so that they can conquer it but this has caused men to be very destructive. Ishmael then goes on a rant about how the man is failing to see the true problems with humanity and thus asks the man about why humans follow prophets. The man then says that takers can’t do things on their own and need the guidance of others. After this answer Ishmael and the man conclude that man’s flaw is that they can’t live on their own. Chapter 6 begins with Ishmael comparing Takers to the first aeronauts. He says that aeronauts stupidly tried to fly before they understood the laws of aerodynamics. Then the two begin to talk about the law of gravity and Ishmael asks the man how humans discovered it. Then the man says that humans believe they are better than everyone else and are exempt from all the laws of life when in reality they are just a product of evolution, like every other living thing. Ishmael explains all of this to the man and explains how the gods have tricked the takers. Finally, the chapter ends with Ishmael and the man talking about yet another metaphor with a man not knowing the difference between flying and falling. They then talk about mankind will just keep doing the same thing over and over again if the takers’ culture fails.
These chapters talk a little bit about evolution but not much about biology really. Mostly this chapter is related to physics and the laws of gravity and aerodynamics.
This is the chapter where I finally understood why Ishmael is a gorilla, even though I may not like it. I feel like in this chapter if Ishmael was a human it would not nearly be as powerful when he is telling the guy about how humans aren’t special at all. Because Ishmael is a gorilla it makes me think, “oh, maybe humans aren’t better than other animals like gorillas.” Although this chapter was moderately thought-provoking I really don’t like the book yet.
Betsy, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 begins with the narrator rewinding and restating some of what has already been said in chapter 4, about how man conquest of the world is destroying the world. He completes the story of creation by saying how humankind will advance into the space age and beyond, carrying the conquest forward. The narrator clearly believes that human's conquering of civilization is what will lead to further development of mankind. Ishmael shuts this down by saying that assuming the human way of life is the only way of life is inherently wrong-- because humans only compare themselves against other humans in terms of civilization. The human race believes everything to be lower than it. He then talks about prophets for a while and how humankind always comes back to prophets for answers. It seems to be the argument everyone (in recent history) must consider during an argument-- Ishmael gives the example of abortion. In chapter 7, Ishmael discusses aerodynamics, and gives an allegory of a man in a flying machine jumping off a cliff. He believes his descent to be flying, but really he is falling to his death-- unless he abandons the craft, he will die. This guy is a metaphor for the human race, which is destroying itself, but refuses to change.
Again, not much biology, but other sciences come into play-- anthropology has been a constant theme, and one might count the discussion of aerodynamics as physics.
I feel like this book raises a lot of interesting points, like the question of whether or not the human race has a fate and how soon that fate will come, but Ishmael has a kind of preachy tone that I find grating. Also, maybe this is a problem that will be resolved later, but the book asks a lot of questions, then moves on without answering them-- I understand that Quinn may want the readers to think for themselves to find a solution, but it doesn't seem in fitting for Ishmael's character to leave anything up to the imagination: he insults the narrator for not understanding the most minor things.
You may be wondering why I am posting at 11:20. First of all, Game of Thrones was on tonight (yes it was great best episode of this season probably). Secondly, I had a tonne of homework tonight, from literally all of my classes(thanks allian). Lastly, I had already typed up a response to this and posted it at like 10:30, but it deleted because I was signed in to my school account. So here it is. Sorry for being late-ish.
ReplyDeleteMATT GRANGE RIPS ON ISHMAEL AND WHY THE BIBLE DOES WHAT IT TRIES TO DO SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER
For my chapter 5 summary, I thought it would be cool to make all my sentences 5 words long. It was pretty cool. I can't be bothered to go through all that effort again, so here is the bare bones summary. Ishmael talks to the man the whole time. Wow, so original. His big thesis is that men can't do anything on their own.
Similar to the chapter 5 summary, I made every sentence in this one 6 words. It was really unique and funny, and I am so mad that it got deleted. God. Ishmael compares the human civilization to the first aeronauts. He says that they didn't know the laws of aerodynamics, so the figured them out by trial and error. Similarly, that is what we are doing with the human species. He says man are currently like an airplane falling towards the ground.
There is no biology in this chapter. In all honesty, there really has been little to none biology subject matter in this book at all, aside from the broad topic of evolution.
After reading the past 6 chapters, and beyond, it's really easy to see that the author just wrote this book to get his ideas out to the general public. That's fine and all, but he did it in the worst possible way. It's monotonous and boring, and long. Oh, it is LONG. For such a small amount of subject matter, he stretches it out so much with the man getting up, going home, being stupid and not getting things, and saying "true" over and over again. Imagine if the bible or whatever is respective to your religion was just Jesus waking up in the morning, taking his daily commute to heaven, and listening to God tell him everything that the humans need to know. That's freaking dumb. The reason that the bible is so devoutly followed today is that it's thought out. It's real stories about real people (I think?). It conveys it's morals through relatable stories. It makes people deal with real conflicts that people have to deal with today. Not a single person today can relate to talking to a gorilla. It's a stupid trick. That's all this "book" is. It's a outlet for one person's worldview under the guise of an original fiction novel. This book has done it for me. I think a book sucks. First time for everything I guess. Glad that I got to stay up to 11:20 to say it, thanks to this website. Hopefully it doesn't mess up this time.
I just noticed that the time for when I posted this comment is wrong. I posted it at 11:23 PM and I am very mad about it.
DeleteI like how our class' entries are just steadily becoming less academic as time goes on XD
DeleteSavannah, Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter five begins with the man telling the end of man's story. The story states that man has not fully conquered the world yet. However, man does not have the power to undo what he has done. They have overtaken the world and does not know how to replenish what they have destroyed. If we can fix this we will go on to conquer the universe. Then Ishmael finishes the story of "how things came to be this way" by saying human was meant to make the world paradise, but he was born flawed and therefore, paradise was ruined. He then states that humans follow prophets, while the Leavers do not have anything of the sort. Ishmael states that man follows prophets to tell them how to live because they don't know how. They then conclude that man's tragic flaw is they do not know how to live. He then goes on to state in the next chapter that there is infinite information on everything else in the universe, but nothing on how to live. He then goes into a large analogy stating that when learning how to build an airplane, the early aeronauts did not know the law of aerodynamics - that simply was not out there. So, this man builds a bird-like contraption and sends it off a large cliff. He feels as though he is flying and feels wonderful, although he is truly in freefall. When he gets close to the ground, he just assumes he has to pedal harder, however this does not work as the laws simply are working against him. He then gets closer and closer to the ground and has to abandon it. Ishmael states that humans are in the phase where they are pedaling harder - trying to invent more to save the world. Ishmael states the humans are about to crash down and bring the rest of civilization with it. He then states that trial and error is not a good way to build a civilization.
This chapter talks more about physics than biology. They talk about the law of gravity and aerodynamics. They talk about evolution a little and the law of nature. They also talk about human pollution and human evolution.
I really do enjoy what this book is teaching, but every single time I put down the book, I find myself being reminded that its about a telepathic gorilla. I honestly find it very smart to make it a gorilla, as it is an evolutionary ancestor to the human. Therefore it states that humans are no more important than their ancestors, which is a very valuable lesson and really comes down to the main point of everything. However, I really don't like that the gorilla is telepathic. It would be much less bizarre if the gorilla could talk or maybe have Rachel communicate for him or something I don't know. I just really don't like the idea of the telepathy. WAIT but I do kinda get it. Its like the communication among organisms??!!! I guess it kinda makes sense. It's like the inner laws of the universe and the common understanding among animals being transferred from one organism to another. It started to make sense to me as I was writing this. I still have to get used to it though, cause its really throwing me off.
Aissa The Great, Period 1
ReplyDeleteDear cvitale, I just got back from a 2 day convention in NYC and I totally forgot about this. So if this entry seems hasty due to a time constraint and serious lack of sleep, you can't say I didn't warn you.
*le sigh* Here we go...I guess.
Chapter 6 begins with Wido putting together the end of his story for King Godrilla (Decided to change his name. This one has more of a ring to it, don’t you think? Like Godzilla and King Kong meshed in one. I’m very proud of it actually. Very proud indeed). The two agree that the ultimate end-goal for humanity is to turn the earth into a paradise. BUT THAT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH! King Godrilla demands that we look past this superficial philosophy and find the truth within: “Man was born flawed…so his paradise has always been spoiled by stupidity, greed, destructiveness, and shortsightedness” (Quinn 83). But then PLOT TWIST! He denies his own theory by saying that there actually isn’t anything wrong with people. I like Part 7, because King Godrilla plays a really cool looking game (that may include cannibalism but, please, that’s only a minor setback) in order to discuss a topic known as a “peace keeping law” and send Wido out to find his own law.
My opinion on the book has not changed that much since last time. I still think King Godrilla is hella creeps, and I’m still surprised that Wido is a writer due to his lack of imagination or drive in general. I do, however, appreciate the fact that he is a fan of Star Trek (which he mentions in Ch.6). That’s a quality show.
These chapters talk about a lot of physics, but they also mention biology to a lesser extent. One big idea that they mention is human’s negative impact on the earth’s environment. This includes things like pollution, and how “man’s conquest of the world has itself devastated the world” (Quinn 80). However, right after saying this, Wido gets all weird and Inception-y on me and suggests that we go deeper and don’t stop until we have complete control over the world. Gotta go fast. Keep going forward. Can’t stop won’t stop. Rest is for the weak. Burning through the sky. Don’t stop me now. I’m having such a good time. I’m having a ball. I don’t wanna stop at all. LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAA.
Question: What time zone is this website set to? Cuz it's hella wrong. I blame the scape goat.
ReplyDeleteWe have another couple of condescending chapters from our gorilla friend. It has gotten to the point where I am almost too bored of the novel to write a passive aggressive post about it. This chapter is more of Ishmael trashing human culture. Now we here about how people are stupid for trying to make the world more suitable for them, because all people are stupid, or in the nice way that Ishmael put it, flawed. Also humans are stupid for following prophets. Then Mr. Gorilla man goes on a rant about airplanes and people jumping off cliffs to describe that people are stupid and will always crash and burn.
ReplyDeleteThe only relation to biology in these chapters is the destruction of the environment.
This book is painful to read. It is long and boring. We get the point already, we need to stop destroying the Earth. I just finished a research essay in english on the Eighth Amendment, and I am pretty sure that this book qualifies as cruel and unusual punishment.
Kate Period 1
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 opens with Ishmael going over the end of what they discussed on the previous day. From there, the guy was encouraged to continue with what he thought the end of the creation myth was. The guy made the claim that the the earth was for man to ultimately conquer, and that this was their destiny. He also said that Earth, under the rule of humans, “was meant to become a paradise”. He does see that this has caused many problems for the planet, but this would not be the case if man had total control. Then, Ishmael brings up the idea of prophets, and why Takers are so into them. Prophets, the guys explains, are obsessed over by humans because they offer guidance to the takers who would not otherwise know what to do. Essentially, the Takers are clueless. Then Ishmael discusses the dillusion of the man by using gravity as a metaphor. He is saying that while the man thinks that he is flying, he is really falling. His overall point is that “trial and error” is fine for building things, but not things with such importance as a civilization.
Biology is relatively nonexistent in these chapters. However, with the use of gravity as a metaphor, physics does come into play.
I am still interested to hear what Ishmael haas to say and the lessons he has to teach, because they have been good to date. But hopefully he will soon start to discuss his plans for changing the world so that there can be tangible results.
Ryan F, Period 1
ReplyDeleteIshmael asks the guy how the story ends and the guy rewinds the tape a little bit (man destined to rule the world; we haven’t mastered it yet; we can’t undo the damage to the world just yet etc.) The guy comes to the conclusion that they have to attain absolute power and then things will be ok. Then we can move on to conquering space because that’s how awesome we are.
*since everyone else has named the guy something of their choice, I will call him Jimmy because he seems like a Jimmy*
So anyway, then Ishmael states that although man wanted and wants to create a paradise, he will never accomplish this dream because humans are inherently flawed. Later in this chapter, the importance of prophets is discussed as is the concept that there’s no set way on how to live. In chapter six, Ishmael creates a shockingly relevant analogy utilizing the laws of gravity and aerodynamics to explain the literal crash course of human civilization. The analogy is of a man in an aircraft doomed to crash because it doesn’t follow the law of aerodynamics and the man is unaware of this fact and believes that everything is going fine. The flight is the journey of life, the man is humankind, and the aircraft is our way of controlling our way of life. Jimmy is intrigued.
These two chapters have illuminated more about our way of life, and are much scarier than the last four chapters put together. I want to take sacks of these novels and scatter them using airplanes across cities and towns. I want to throw copies of it at people and shout, “hey! we’re killing our planet, and this book (or the first six chapters of it) will explain why! It will open your eyes!” It makes me feel so blind. I want to read more and become enlightened. I feel like many of my peers do not like it or appreciate it and that’s disappointing.
The amount of biology in these two chapters is scant. The environment is mentioned, evolution is a huge motif, and some biological themes are hinted at such as coevolution amongst humans and animals.
Will period 7
ReplyDeleteIt starts out with the man finishing his story with Ishmael. The man says how human are on Earth so that they can conquer it but this has caused men to be very destructive. Ishmael tells him that man is failing to see the true problems with humanity and then asks the man about why humans follow prophets. The man then says that takers can’t do anything themselves and need others to guide them or show them. Ishmael and the man discuss and conclude that man’s flaw is that they can’t live on their own. Chapter 6 begins with Ishmael comparing Takers to the first aeronauts. He says that aeronauts stupidly tried to fly before they understood the laws of aerodynamics. Then the two begin to talk about the law of gravity and Ishmael asks the man how humans discovered it. The man says that humans believe they are better than everyone else and are above all the laws of life, when they are just a result of evolution, like everything else. Ishmael explains all of this to the man and tells how the gods have tricked the takers. Finally, the chapter ends with Ishmael and the man talking about yet another metaphor with a man not knowing the difference between flying and falling. They then talk about how mankind will just keep doing the same thing over and over again if the takers’ culture fails.
This relates to biology again because they focus on the destruction of the environment.
This I think has a similar message as the last chapters. Man thinks that he is the mot important thing on the earth. Man will just keep taking until he has conquered the earth, but when he has conquered the earth, he will feel no purpose. When man has taken all, then what is left to take?
Chris D period 7
ReplyDeleteSo chapter 5 starts out and Ishmael and the dude start conversating, and they talk about how its man follows people and prophets and stuff like that. They also talk about how people are destroying the world around them and themselves in the wake of their conquring of like everything. They also talk about how the death of them all is unavoidable at this point. They also talk about a law thats killing the humans and the man doesn't really understand that much and ishmael talks about laws still being here even before we discoverd them, then he talked about a man killing himself attempting to fly.
So this is like bio cause it talks about the humans destroying the enviornment and how humans are ignorant and stuff like that. And they also look into the future and show that no matter what the human race is screwed becasue of themselves.
Ryan, Period 1 who definitely isn't doing this now because its late :)
ReplyDeleteChapter 5 opens with Ishmael and guy talking about how humans had to conquer the world to make it under it's control. Guy says that their is fundamentally wrong with humans and most people would agree with that, but Ishmael doesn't think so, there is something else wrong, you can't just blame human nature. Ishmael then asks guy about prophets, or people of great influence, like Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed and such. He then questions why whom he calls "takers" have these prophets in society while whom he calls "leavers" don't. Guy says in response that their society needs the prophets to tell them how to live because they don't know how. The next chapter starts with Ishmael comparing the human race to people learning how to build airplanes. And how they tried to fly without understanding the laws of aerodynamics and that this applies to the human race as well. Ishmael then points out the delusions of mankind, how they think they are the center of the universe and that they are above all nature laws. Then Ishmael uses an analogy of a guy thinking he's flying but he's just in freefall and he's closing in on the ground and crashing, which he thinks is just like the track humans are on right now.
The only biology in these chapters seem to be how the destruction of the environment by the humans.
By far the most surprising part of this book so far was the analogy of the man thinking he's flying but is only in free fall. And if this is the path that humans are on, how long do we have left, and if we can how do we change this path?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIshmael and the narrator debate further the reason man was created whether it was for total domination and control of the world or maybe something else. Prophets and gods are discussed and they explore why they are important to the humans (because they tell them how to live). Ishmael also explains why humans are flawed and will lead to their own demise through the disregarding of the laws of civilization.
ReplyDeleteThere was alot of physics in this chapter with aerodynamics and little biology other than the discussion of pollutions effect on the environment.
In my opinion the book is well thought out but alittle predictable. There is only showing through discussion not action.