+JMJ
"In the past, it was necessary to work, to search, to make an effort in order to discover truth. Today, it is enough to go on the Internet to have access to an impressive quantity of data. We are spared the trouble of reflecting and passing a critical judgment. Modern man has lost the notion of the long term. Man behaves only as a consumer. There is an urgent need to acquire interior maturity and a greater awareness of our responsibility."
(Robert Cardinal Sarah)
Modern society provides the means to obtain vast amounts of information, simply and quickly. And yet, it is ironic that in an age when data is readily available and absorbed, sincere knowledge and comprehension of the truth still prove elusive, if not more so than in times past.
Prior to the technological revolution, man was forced to engage in an arduous search for truth. Devoid of modern conveniences, his time was limited, therefore his discernment was more keen, blessedly bereft of worthless inanities which would only derail his quest. Reflection was an integral part of his journey, a constant companion that allowed him to ruminate over the words he read, leading to the discovery of their meaning and significance.
It is in man's nature to search for truth, for he yearns for God, the source and summit of all knowledge itself. Unfortunately, as with all pure desires, in the eagerness to attain his aim immediately and effortlessly, man reaches to pluck the lowest hanging fruit, satisfying his need but only temporarily. He continues to search, but becomes all the more restless, as he allows no time for "reflection and passing critical judgment."
Man must fight the tendency to amass a trove of trivial information for it is just as foolish as if he would amass unnecessary material goods. Instead, one must reject the insignificant stature of modern man: the insatiable consumer, who is greedy to possess, and pridefully flaunts his data collection before others. Rather, the dignity that is worthy of a Christian reveals one who is a grateful recipient of the truths he laboriously discovers, humble in the realization of his littleness and ignorance, in awe of the beauty and goodness that illuminates his reading upon daily reflection.
