In order to become a moderator on a website I enjoy, potential ‘mods’ are asked to write an essay to show their commitment and maturity level. The essay topic is, ‘Can a society exist without love?’
Being asked to write an essay on this particular topic, especially by video game moderators, makes me feel good. It makes me think that they care about what young minds are thinking and feeling. It is a good indication that we are still connected in a way that really matters.
So I thought about the question, and here’s what I came up with. The only thing that can function without love is a machine. I’m afraid that without love, that is precisely what we are in danger of becoming. Beings who exist rather than live; like programmed machines rather than thinking beings.
As social animals, we need each other. We need to feel cared for and loved by others. I always feel better after a hug, or after I talk to someone. My plants grow taller when I tell them I love them, my kitty used to purr when I scratched him under his ears, but my toaster is unresponsive. I don’t want people to become like that. No one can function properly without real face to face communication, encouragement, compassion and love. It is sad to me to think that humans are choosing to replace these real connections (like hugs and smiles) with superficial ones (like abbreviations and emoticons 🙂 ).
So many confuse the idea of “going with the flow” with “following the flock”. When everyone around you acts like it’s bizarre to express emotion, or laugh at you for not knowing what the latest texting acronym stands for, it makes me wonder if something other than love or even biology is conducting evolution.
When you look around, people have their heads down a lot, locked into an iphone, computer or ipad, which is submissive body language. It appears the machines are in control, not the people who made or use them. Aside from that, technological advances designed to connect us have ironically made us feel even more isolated. Perhaps the question (that about what a society without love would look like) is one that might be answered simply by looking towards the future.
I saw on Nova one night that 50% of Canadians don’t have land lines anymore and instead, use cell phones. What was really surprising to me though was that people don’t call and actually talk to others as much. Instead, they text. Sending a text is less demanding and requires no actual verbal commitment, but again there is no voice, no emotion, no real sense of connection.
When I think of a society without love, I see a world filled with the opposite: Hate. Or maybe a more subtle version of hate: Submissive apathy. A society without love, lacking care and compassion, would be like an aggressive video game in which everyone loses. Or a world full of toasters.
Photo Credits
All Photos By Mary Rose (mom) – All Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Lucas Wilson
Lucas Wilson is an 11 year old middle school student with dreams of becoming a computer programmer, famous writer, comedian, actor, gaming expert and entrepreneur. Born at home in Victoria, British Columbia, Luke has an unusual capacity for compassion. He has forward thinking ideas about politics and the environment, loves animals and nature, and has an affinity for technology, mathematics and computer languages.
Luke is an extrovert but shy to put forth his ideas until he believes them to be ‘perfect’.
Luke believes in giving rather than taking, and often donates his allowance to the SPCA. He likes to hike, play foozball and game in his spare time.
Luke most admires Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Seth MacFarlane, Mike Myers and Jim Carrey; People who created amazing lives despite any and all challenges.
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Ty very much for all your nice comments 🙂 <3
Lucas, your article is heartwarming and encouraging. Your passion for human connection flows seamlessly through your words; you are truly “going with your flow”. Thank you,
and keep writing and sharing!
Lucas what a fine writer you are. I loved your blog and you are absolutely right.
Keep writing. You have a future.
Lucas,
You are a talented young writer and a compassionate individual. The points you make are relevant and sadly all too true. Lucas, you may have heard of a psychologist by the name of Harry Harlow who did scientific experiments to demonstrate how much we primates need physical contact and love. If not I’d suggest you Google his name and check it out.
Good luck with all your endeavors and keep on writing!
Well expressed Lucas. Yes, my kitty purrs when I scratch under his ears. You highlight the distinction between social creatures and machines. I hadn’t thought about how looking down at the cell phone is a submissive posture, but as I heard a comedian say, “Hey everybody. Look up!” You have a bright future as a writer, Lucas. I hope we hear more from you.
What a fabulous article Lucas – you are a talented writer and very intuitive about an issue that is very important. Sometimes people get carried away doing something before they realize it and it takes someone like yourself to come along and give everyone a reality check! Keep up the good work Lucas – I really enjoy your writing and value your opinions!
Lucas, your view of the world shines with a brilliance I haven’t often experienced in articles written these days. The fact that you’ve just been on the planet a little over a decade and gleaned so much wisdom speaks volumes to your capacity to love and connect with all that is around you.
Thank you so very much for your words; the world needs them, and you.
Lucas – you have observed and identified some problems of a technological society. I travel to Panama frequently and every Sunday extended families get together. On the other days of the week people are often seen out socializing with their neighbors and friends. Obviously our climate makes this much more difficult, but we are far more alone and isolated than the Panamanians. Unfortunately our technological gadgets often have people texting instead of getting together, or when they do get together they are using their smart phones instead of communicating with each other.
Interesting perspective about submissive posture. I do believe I’ll be sharing that one with some of my electronically addicted ‘text only’ friends. Carry on young man. Good job on this article! Hope there are many more to come.
Hi Lucas,
I enjoyed your article immensely. It seems you are well on your way to fulling your dreams! I look forward to reading more of your work. And yes I agree a world full of toasters would be a horrible thing indeed!
This is a great post and one that really makes me stop and think. Lucas you are absolutely right, we are turning into a society that caters to our electronics, we also use them as a shield. They shield us from face to face conversations and emotions that could, in the end, hurt us. But, is that any way to live a life? I think not, life is about going out there and experiencing the love, laughter, and yes, sometimes hurt. Thanks for making me think on this one Lucas.
Lucas — Amazing insight for a young man of your age and so eloquently put. Keep writing and keep loving!
Hey Lucas…
Thanks for the wake up call. A profound reminder to us all; keep them coming!
Lucas,
You are a very talented young man! Keep writing. I would love to read more from you!
This is a profoundly insightful and eloquent post Lucas. I love it! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.