Thursday, January 20, 2011
Chapter Summary of "The Great Indoors"
The article "The Great Indoors" by Bill Bryson talks about how people in the United States do not take advantage of nature. He claims that we depend so much on technology that we lose sight of what we have. He gives an example of people driving in their cars with their windows up and the air conditioning on, even though the weather outside might be fine. He also gives the example that there is no foot access to the amusement park; there's only an air conditioned bus ride that costs three dollars and only lasts 45 seconds. He concludes by pointing out that he appreciates the small things that nature gives us, like bird poop.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I beleive that Bill Bryson is right about the fact that we as Americans waste nature for what it is and what it provides us. When he is talking about drivers driving with their windows up when it's nice outside and they have their car set to the same temperature inside it makes me realize how much we do take nature for granted. I myself love to have the windows down when its even remotely nice outside and i wish more people took advantage of that because there is just something about fresh air that is refreshing. We all have the chance to enjoy the fresh air everyday but people are so busy that they forget to be thankful for what they have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bryson about not taking advantage of nature. I am guilty for having my windows up when its completely hot outside, but i'm not going to stop doing that just because its not "natural" or i'm taking nature for granted. Believe me, when winter is over I am all about rolling my windows down and celebrating the fact that the icy roads and snowy grounds are over with..for now but when it gets scorching hot outside, lets be honest, who can tolerate it for more than 20 minutes? I do believe people spend too much time inside but who knows, maybe they have good reasons? After reading this chapter, i will probably say i am going to take advantage of weather but totally forget about it and go back to my normal old ways, which actually disappoints me about myself.
ReplyDeleteYeah the whole windows up while driving thing is pretty nowmal for most people because if the weather isn't perfect poeple will always prefer technology to nature. Days like today, windows are up for sure but days where it is 75 degrees and sunny, windows down and most likey not in my car to begin with. if the weather is like that i will most likely be playing some sort od sport, working outside, or on my four wheeler. i take advantage of nature when i can but if it's too hot or too cold my car windows are most likely up.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with Bill Byrson. I think that we need to get intouch with nature more often, but he kind of takes it far when he talks about the AC in a bus. I mean we always need some technology in our life. I also think that his statement focuses about the big cities in the U.S, which I think is about 30% of the U.S. I think that the suburbs have more nature influence than the city. For instance, people that live in big cities most of the time exercise in indoor gyms, when in the suburbs You can find people jogging outside. Even while driving in a suburb area or a country side, you'll always see nature's beauty while driving, unlike when you're in the city, all you see is buildings and other automobiles.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bill Bryson on "The Great Indoors" because during the the summer when the weather is good i usually put up my windows in my car and turn on the air conditioning. Most people during the summer times they rather stay indoors and play video games instead of going to the pool and enjoy the sun.
ReplyDelete