In chapter 9, hobsbawm discusses the popularization of arts. Art became more accessible and affordable, and was now appreciated by a bigger population of people. Next, the author goes into a discussion of scientific developments during this period. Math was of particular significance at this time, although it was an object of much scepticism. People were sceptical of the new scientific findings and explanations, and many still followed their old beliefs. Hobsbawm then goes on to explain how education started becoming an essential part of life and helped to understand sciences and politics. People now saw the importance of science and education as the pathway to the better future. Later, in chapter 12, Hobsbawm talks about the events leading up to the World War I. Revolutions and social unrest were taking place in different parts of the world. The US just overcame a depression and was entering a new era of prosperity. The final chapter focuses on the end of the World War I, and the period of peace that followed it.
The period before the World War I is interesting because it was a time of prosperity, and no one anticipated that a war would break out. One would expect that the more educated the people become, the more they would realize the negative cost-benefit outcome of wars. Yet, two World Wars happened anyway.
In our modern time, political awareness is high and people are more educated than ever. Yet, we hear of violent conflicts every day on the news. Perhaps warfare and fighting is just a part of human nature, and it doesn't matter how educated people get?
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As long as there are people there will always be conflict and war, regardless of education. It is impossible to create a utopia where everyone is completely satisfied. Even if the entire world were comprised of homogeneous democratic or communist nations, there would still be regional inequalities that would eventually lead to discontent and eventually conflict.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, people will always fight. Even if people do become very educated there will still be people who do not get along, or who cannot control their emotions and act sporadically. Also there will always be people who will be exploited and this causes for the people to lash out against this exploitation. Religion is also another reason that violence will always persist, like in the Middle East.
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