Today is the birthday of social critic and media ecologist Neil Postman…
In his most prominent book Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985), Postman described vividly the crumbling capacity for conversation in American society, a reality that has only expanded in the 30+ years since this book was published.
[ Martin Buber on the Virtues of Conversation ]
Here are 5 important passages from Amusing Ourselves to Death on the breakdown of conversation…
Americans No Longer
Talk to Each Other
In courtrooms, classrooms, operating rooms, board rooms, churches and even airplanes, Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas; they exchange images. They do not argue with propositions; they argue with good looks, celebrities and commercials.
- pages 92-93
NEXT PAGE >>>>>>>
PAGE 1 of 5
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
![Jonathan Malesic - The End of Burnout [NPR Interview]](https://englewoodreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/The-End-of-Burnout-130x130.jpeg "Jonathan Malesic - The End of Burnout [NPR Interview]")
![Georges Bernanos - Diary of a Country Priest [Conversation]](https://englewoodreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Georges-Bernanos-130x130.jpg "Georges Bernanos - Diary of a Country Priest [Conversation]")
![Shawn Smucker - The Weight of Memory [Review]](https://englewoodreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Weight-of-Memory-130x130.jpeg "Shawn Smucker - The Weight of Memory [Review]")
![Winn Collier - A Burning in My Bones - Eugene Peterson Bio [Sneak Peek!]](https://englewoodreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Winn-Collier-EPbio-130x130.jpeg "Winn Collier - A Burning in My Bones - Eugene Peterson Bio [Sneak Peek!]")
