Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Stonehenge!


Why do we find it so hard to believe that "ancient" people were able to build massive monuments, perform surgeries, etc., etc.? Do we really think that mankind has evolved so much, that we are so much smarter?

We eat better, live a little cleaner - maybe. But is the accuracy, invention, and innovation that is required to come up with computer chips and Velcro really all that different from what was accomplished by the folks who were able to precision-align Stonehenge or Abu Simbel?

I'd like to get back to Stonehenge. It's been the subject of a lot of new attention lately, as it appears to be even older than anyone originally thought. Evidence of settlements, and possible uses of the site are constantly being explored. Which again argues for the smarts of people, no matter what the century. But no one can come up with a definitive answer for how or why it was created. Sort of like the pyramids.

People like mysteries. As for the how of Stonehenge, probably the easy answer is that a lot of strong folks spent a lot of time pulling and pushing huge stones. But I guess that isn't a sexy enough answer. As for the why? You might as well ask why any human being does anything. Build cathedrals, pyramids, the Empire State Building - just reaching for the stars, baby.

p.s. Turn your volume up to 11 and enjoy the genius of Spinal Tap, Nigel Tufnel's eyeliner, and "Stonehenge"...

2 comments:

Kelly O said...

I would love to take the kids on a field trip to Stonehenge someday.

xoxoxo said...

Went years ago and am scheming to go back this winter. We'll see...

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