What is a Modern Person#
I often ask myself: Are you a modern person? To remind myself to embrace change.
So what exactly is a modern person? Literally, it refers to a person who possesses modernity. Modernity is a philosophical concept that has been discussed and interpreted differently by many philosophers throughout history. A few widely recognized principles are: First, the principle of anthropocentrism. Humans replace gods as the center of everything, making modern society a secular one. Second, the principle of conquering nature. By using reason and science, as well as modern technology based on modern science, to conquer and control natural forces for the benefit of humanity. Third, the principle of social contract. Individuals are free and equal, and society can only be formed by individualistic persons based on a social contract.
Ancients Around Us#
History classes, as a required subject, are quite necessary as they help us understand how individuals and groups have survived in different environments throughout history. The ideas of the ancients have not disappeared; they are solidified in the language and customs of society. Many people believe in fortune-telling, divination, traditional Chinese medicine, and the vulgarization of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. There are also individuals with very avant-garde thoughts, full of imagination for the future (like people such as Elon Musk). I establish such a timeline in my mind, which allows me to find peace when facing many incomprehensible people or things. When encountering trolls online, I simply block them and remind myself not to waste time entangled with them.