Widespread literacy in a population is a fairly recent phenomenon, and like advances in science and health care, a very good one. That doesn't mean it's essential for staying alive, any more than art is, or music, or any of the other things that make civilization worthwhile--things that for most of history were enjoyed by small ruling classes, if at all.
This is why simple survival is not enough for human beings, if they have any humanity at all, and this is why living in a wealthy nation is not a crime against the world.
You were the one who defined "needs" and "wants," not me.
I hear a lot about the evil things Christians did throughout history, but not much about how literature and art were preserved by some Christians during many dark years.
Flame » in reply to If literacy is a luxury, it's a sad world indeed.
It shouldn't be, but it is.
The whole thread (56 posts)
- FLAME ON!
- Conspicuous Consumption
- Here, this proves my point "Fuel consumption wasn't a consideration" (SUV owner)
- Oil will be worth more than diamonds
- re: FLAME ON!
- Interesting.
- I feel like I'm arguing with Ed Begley Jr. and the hardcore leftist brigades.
- Are you freekin serious?
- I'm happy to know you know so much about living with, and transporting, children.
- re: Interesting.
- I feel like I'm arguing with Ed Begley Jr. and the hardcore leftist brigades.