Have we run out of ideas? Why do we worship previous generations instead of moving forward?

Question

Take style for instance. All of the "latest" fashion trends come from some generation before us. And what about literature? Sure, the classics are great, but why can't we read current stories in our english classes? And why do we have so many different types of history classes, but no classes on future possibilities and how to change things for the better NOW? Music hasn't really gone in any new directions lately. There's still racism. I don't get it.

Answer 1

No offense, but you're talking about school here, not the real world.

Schools are bound very strongly by what they can be certain of and what can be agreed on by everybody. How could you possibly get a community to agree on a cirriculum on what MIGHT happen, or which story written in the last year should be allowed in public, and so on? With such restrictions, schools are forced to play it safe and stick to things that are generally agreeable, even if they aren't quite as true or relevant.

If you look out in the real world, however, I'm sure you'll find that research scientists FAR outnumber historians and the laboratories easily exceed museums in numbers and support. You just don't get as many tours from the former group.

Likewise, though the classics still sell, in most bookstore you'll find them tucked into one small corner, and on the Internet you'll be lucky to find much at all compared to the hyper-new which prevails there.

As for social trends... well, there's still racism for the same reason that schools can't talk about some things. Some people still think it's a good idea. Just as some corporations try to reinvent modern versions of slavery and even some democracies rediscover old means of tyranny. Like classic books, some social ills are classics because they work for the purposes to which people put them; I'd be surprised if they ever completely went away. Sad as that may be to consider.

I can't really answer for music, art, and the like except to suggest you consider time scales involved for a moment. A complete revolution in any field can hardly come along once a year. Classic arts predominated for centuries before yielding to more modern pleasures. Why should now the modern ones bloom and fade in a day?

That's the way I see it anyway. I hope this - at least - was new for you! ( :

Answer 2

Yeah I agree. I get so tired of retreading the past. Why do I have to dress in clothes styled like the 60's, 70's and 80's.

It gets old and boring.

I think it will help when enough of the younger generations move up into areas of influence in the style community.

I understand needing to read the classics in English class, but I agree it also doesn't feel like anyone is looking for a new classic. I kind of try to pay attention to books that win awards like the Pulitzer prize and such. Although my own extensive reading tends to unearth a gem here or there.

I'm not sure music goes in new directions very quickly. A lot of times it starts as an underground thing which builds momentum over time.

Also I have noticed movies are a lot retread too. Why do we have so many remakes and sequels. So annoying.

I think it takes people like you and others who aren't satisfied with the status quo using their money and voice to choose those things which are new and different.

Answer 3

In my opinion is we have not run out of ideas; on the contrary, as long as the world and societies have problems there will always be an offered solution or approach. Likewise, it must be keep in mind we are all part of a a large and diversified world. Some of the "newest" ideas are in truth, a modification and new iinterpretation of an old idea or concept - hence, the saying "there's nothing new under the sun"

As for classes history shows that class differences inevitably lead to conflict and prejudice. The problems of racism are due in large part to ignorance or a misunderstanding of other
societies.

Change is inevitable and there will be ideas and thoughts to meet and attempt to understand. I'm reminded (but do not recall the author) whoobserved, "To be, "to be different is to be misunderstood."

George Santayana remarked that those who do not remember the lessons of the past are condemned to repeat them. Perhaps we stop visualizing a Brave New World and
deal with our present and imperfect world.

Answer 4

I think that it helps us learn from mistakes in the past, especially in the sense of history. Kind of like a guide on what not to do.

With fashion, I don't see a problem relying on previous generations, as some of the clothes were nice, I don't see why they can't be in fashion again. And music is on a continuous loop - a style that was famous a few years ago will be back in a few years later - I guess there's only so many ways you can write a song.

Answer 5

there are only so many basic ideas in any given area of human endeavor but there are variations on them and they work a little differently in each time and situation. A totally new idea would require a totally new viewpoint ie Einstein looked at the physical world differently than Isaac Newton and asked different questions. That's what it would take to eliminate racism, too or come up with a new style of music...keep the faith, the next new idea might come from you.

Answer 6

No. We take what exists and build on it. But there always had to be something that existed for us to get a new idea to build upon it.
Let's talk about the "fashion" part of you question. The first pieces of clothing were leaves (something that we didn't create and already existed). Then as cavemen we came up with new ways to cover our bodies, with things like leather and fur.
Building on an existing idea means that we have come up with new ideas.

Answer 7

It's not that we've run out of Ideas, it's just that majority of people think that what's already there is already right, so they don't bother to change it.
I agree with you 100%. We do need to look to the future instead of the past.

Answer 8

The only things that can be new need to be invented. Movies, books, stories are just re-dos with a twist. Racism will always be here, it is like jealousy and murder.

Answer 9

of path no longer all Christians are gleeful, yet i'm effective some are. inspite of the indisputable fact that i will say that God would not look to choose directly to break Hell any time quickly. and you do no longer look to have a concern worshiping a God like that. i stumble on that only as demanding.

Answer 10

Humanity choose its development where the past is main focal point...locally and globally... by this no matter how beautiful or horrible past is, we just repeatedly resurrecting dead and then wondering why history repeat itself, why karma so brutal...well, with all meanings past is dead. DEAD. Future does not exist yet You are the one whom can stop that, just do not judge and be your best in developing your own ideas. and remember you are not alone.