Marcuse

When Marcuse talks about the idea of losing "inner freedom" it reminds me of the oral epic tradition discussed in the first few classes last semester. To Marcuse, loss of the "inner freedom" is devastating. He says, "Today this private space has been invaded and whittled down by technological reality. Mass production and mass distribution claim the entire individual..." (p. 10). In the Greek oral epic tradition, the memorization and repetition of stories allowed no room for personal reflection or critical thinking. The advent of writing afforded the opportunity to externalize thoughts and reflect upon them. It seems that Marcuse is describing the same lack of reflection and critical thought present in early Greece.

The irony is stunning. Look how far we've come.