Reflection # 1

To begin with, these passages all point in the same direction, as far as the point they are trying to convey. I feel that the main objective is the idea of “progress”. I feel that we’ve been on a successful road to progress dating back 350 million years ago, when the first fires occurred (as per the document). This passage helped me understand that we have been progressing ever since we can remember. I would also like to point out how the phrase “survival of the fittest” comes into play within this passage. We are, what we are today because we’ve manage to adapt and survive the struggles that others couldn’t. Another thing I would like to point out is the creation of the wheel; it was quite obvious that this “simple tool” was created in order to make work easier and more efficient but it also acted as a tool to speed up the process. I also found it astonishing how they first known “wheel” was a log. While reading the article I came across a line that really did spark my interest, it read, “… human beings, being similarly observant and opportunistic creatures…” I feel that the most powerful word within that statement is “opportunistic” simply because it describes the solemn truth about humans and how they approach situations. Throughout the passage I was arguing with myself about how we don’t appreciate what really helped fund what we have today. It’s quite astonishing how today’s public would read this passage and realize how the most minuscule things aren’t appreciated as much as they use to. In the beginning of the passage it starts by stating how the “homo erectus” was establishing as well as learning the many functions of fire. Aside from using fire, they had a thirst for knowing how to control it. The article gave me the impression that we really owe it to our ancestors for helping us institute the lavished lives we live today. Fire was considered to be an essential part of survival in this era, yet in today’s realm we rarely conceive fire as a necessity. However, not only did fire help thee Homo erectus species for cooking or for warmth, but it also became a tool to assist in communicating. According to the article, fire served as the light used in dark caves, so they may write their so called “language” on the walls. In contrast to the article on fire and the wheel, the “history of writing” article, aloud the understanding that we acknowledged team-work as an even better form of surviving. The idea that people spoke by portraying images would be considered blasphemy today however, it served them as an optimal tool for success. As a pre-teaching intern, I sense that this article was given to me to read so that I could reflect on the progress we’ve made and how we should pursue it. We have come a long way but there is always room for development. I feel that everyone has the potential to make this world a better place…after all, we don’t know who invented the wheel but there is also no telling who will re-invent it!!!