Blog 5- Ishmael

 Start Time: 1:30 pm October 17th

End Time: 2:10 pm

Group Members:

Daniel Neuman

Emily O'Donovan

Hyde Parkins

Tobi Ojomo

Our group had a great discussion about Ishmael and what we thought about they book. We were able to talk and reflect on today's society to see if some of those points still apply. We went through and answered some of the questions. 

Does Ishmael change how you think of yourself or the world? If so, how? If not, why not?

Ishmael did change how I view the world. It made me look at how humans are very much “takers” and destroying animals’ food sources and habitats on a daily basis. We destroy the world constantly. It has also made me self actualize to see if I am moreso a taker or leaver.

- Is Ishmael right that Taker culture leads to depressed, drug-addicted humans with problems we wouldn’t have if we lived “closer” to nature?

Yes, I think that Ishmael is correct to say that taker culture leads to depressed, drug addicted humans. If we lived closer to nature and stopped relying so heavily on technology, I think that people would be much happier. I also think that Ishmael doesn’t necessarily mean actual drugs that people are addicted to, but I think that it can apply to technology as well. 

Is Ishmael right to think of humanity in terms of Takers and Leavers? Why or why not?

I would say yes and no that the world can be defined in terms of takers and leavers. I feel like during his time, the world was very much able to be defined with those terms, but in today’s society, it can be a bit more difficult to strictly define someone as a taker or a leaver. With technology, and advancements in the world, people can apply to both categories.

The narrator wishes he had seen Ishmael’s ad ages ago. Why? Ishmael says, “I should’ve gotten to you when you were 17.” Why does he think this? Are younger people in a better position to save the world? Why or why not?

I think that the narrator wishes he had seen Ishmael's ad long before because it could have influenced him to be a different person and make more of an impact on the world. I think that younger people ARE ABLE to be in a better position to save the world. That is, if they want that. People have become very greedy, so if they are raised right and have the right mindset when they are younger, then they will be able to network and expand their ideas to save the world more. Building those good habits and ideas as a younger person is easier than if someone is older.