finished All Quiet on the Western Front today for my NLP class. honestly really appreciated the excuse to read. it was nice not having to worry about not advancing my academic backlog of work and be able to enjoy a nice book. I have wondered oftentimes whether reading a book is similar to watching a tv show, especially if both are fiction. but having not truly read in a while, I can see the benefits of being exposed to more varied, thoughtful, intentional, and creative writing. what a shame that we’re transitioning into a world that no longer substantially rewards those who practice and master the art of writing. in high school, I longed to write as eloquently as the authors I was subjected to read. now, despite my understanding that effort spent is not wasted, it still feels like a waste to devote oneself to a skill so easily mimicked mindlessly. of course, it’s not 100% the same, but even 80% is a skill level largely attainable traditionally through trying practice and time. I can’t even begin to sympathize for artists and designers out there. of course, there are many that can take advantage of newer technologies to grow and succeed. perhaps this is simply another blip in the march of technological growth and its impact. but one can’t seem to pause and consider what might be lost in the process for our generations today.
