"Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few."
Perry on blogging.
"I pity the fool."
Mr T
Regardless of personal views on the subject, that Perry's argument has no small amount of merit does not escape my notice. I would estimate that the investment of time and effort by its author into any given blog usually exceeds the amount of time spent appreciating said blog by its followers, yet this phenomenon does not deter me. The recollection of memories, whether positive or negative, is ultimately an exertion of one's human tendencies. That one may be compelled to record certain events into a medium that can be shared by many demonstrates our social and psychological value and interest in the reactions of others to the actions of ourselves. For that matter, the purpose of this journal is not to gain universal renown, but rather to provide a window into my experiences for any or all who are interested.
The title of this Blog, The Discovery of Europe, alludes to my growing interest in India. The Discovery of Europe is a reference to a book written by Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the leading figures in establishing the nation of India. Rather than suggesting that Nehru himself discovered an entirely new people, culture, or identity, the title of his work, The Discovery of India, was instead an acknowledgement that Nehru was rediscovering a diverse and heterogenous society that had assumed a new significance, both political and personal , in the eyes of the beholder. Though the concept of "India" was new to its many inhabitants, the ethnicities, languages, and systems found within its boundaries had existed independently of any central state for centuries. The birth of India did not give rise to an entirely new people, but rather united distinct and separate social entities into one overarching nation.
My hope is that my own experiences in Europe throughout the next sixteen weeks will prove to be fulfilling and enlightening in the same manner in which Nehru experienced the awakening of India. Our itinerary for the semester will bring us to the great center stage of European history, from historical monuments of pivotal battles to the headquarters of multilateral political entities. And though the experiences of a university student do not compare to that of a national hero, important lessons can be learned at any level of observation. Case in point: one should not assume that his or her work holds no validity simply because someone else has already accomplished more. If anything, those individuals should value their own merits wholeheartedly; their experiences may prove equally revelatory to them as the discovery of India was to Nehru. Blog on, comrades. I rest my case. Thank you Mr T.
The great Glen Hagen himself was a writer in addition to all of his other life pursuits, and the letters he wrote are valuable and unique. Your writing Mr. T is exceptional, and despite what others may say, I predict that your blog will someday be useful and enlightening for others besides yourself. So, write on Mr. T!
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