Where are the humans?

[open_space]

I am sure everyone has noted how different people have different degrees of presence. Some of them stand powerfully or dress well and speak properly and eloquently; others you can almost see their ideas whizzing by enveloping them analyzing the words you just said, in a second. Both of those tell us how "present" someone is in a situation and is something that can even be felt.

In the last decade, I've noted a severe decline of the feeling of presence, of the consciousness behind the eyes of the people walking by. This year it was stronger and quicker, leaving many as Michael Ende's proverbial Grey People but instead of grey they are in a colorful trance, we might as well call them The Sparkling People as if the grey shell was possessed by an ad. Whatever it is, I just feel like the place is less crowded, even though their bodies are still there.

Where are the people? Have they been uploaded to the web? Have you noticed this?

Comments

[jprussell]

Hmm, perhaps this is due to my rather poorly developed subtle senses, but I can't say I've picked up on quite this. I do notice that lots of folks seem terribly distracted, but not like they literally aren't there. This worries me also as being potentially de-humanizing.

On the other hand, I've spent all summer with very little contact with large groups, and now that I'm back to seeing lots of folks, it's on a college campus, so 18-22 year olds might have more inherent "spark" or "presence" still around, even if they can't take their eyes off their phones (old man shakes cane at cloud).

I suppose what I'd say is that I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of folks more sensitive to subtle things than me, but I'd encourage any of us involved in the discussion to remember that even if some part of the people around us is missing, they're still people.

Cheers,
Jeff

[open_space]

It might be the same phenomenon to a different degree. They don't seem like total zombies to me but the degree of awareness, even of themselves and their own minds, seems very feeble. Sometimes I feel I'm talking to a habit instead of a person with presence. I do tend towards melodrama too! Of course the capacity for humanity is still there, I just wonder how deep is it, which depends on the degree which isn't homogenous.

As for inner sense. I don't have those very developed either, it isn't like there is a new stench; just that the pleasantness of a purposeful word, act or notice seems to be dwindling in general. I get the same pleasantness from young people, in particular children, and nature.