D. H. Lawrence: 'Ours is an excessively conscious age. We know so much, we feel so little.'

Ours is an excessively conscious age. We know so much, we feel so little.

In the chaotic and frenetic world that we inhabit, there is a quote by the renowned writer D. H. Lawrence that strikes a chord and resonates deeply within us: "Ours is an excessively conscious age. We know so much, we feel so little." This quote encapsulates the predicament of our modern society, where knowledge and information are readily accessible, yet our ability to connect with our emotions has waned. Lawrence's words imply that while we have become masters of gathering knowledge, we have lost touch with our inner selves, leaving us feeling empty and disconnected. However, exploring this quote goes beyond the surface level, as it opens the doors to a fascinating philosophical concept - the pursuit of balance between intellect and emotions.In a world driven by constant information overload, it is undeniable that we live in an excessively conscious age. Every day, we consume vast amounts of data and facts, filling our minds with knowledge about the world around us. Technology has granted us the ability to instantly access information, providing answers to endless questions at our fingertips. We have become experts at gathering data and developing intellectual expertise in various fields, yet this surplus of knowledge has come at a cost.While our intellectual prowess has skyrocketed, our emotional capacity seems to have diminished. We find ourselves increasingly distanced from the depths of our emotions, resulting in a palpable disconnect from our own selves and from each other. We have become desensitized, often favoring rationality over empathy, and living in a state of detachment rather than truly experiencing the world with genuine feeling. Our excessive consciousness has come at the expense of our ability to feel and connect authentically with the world and the people around us.However, beneath the surface interpretation of this quote lies a profound philosophical concept - the idea of finding balance between knowledge and emotion. It calls upon us to recognize the importance of embracing our emotions alongside our intellectual pursuits. In our pursuit of knowledge, we must not neglect the richness and depth of our emotional lives. By acknowledging our emotions, we can rediscover the joy, passion, and empathy that make us truly human.Indeed, it is not a matter of choosing between knowledge and feeling, but rather integrating them into a harmonious union. Embracing our emotions does not invalidate or diminish intellect; rather, it enhances our ability to fully understand and appreciate the world around us. When our intellect and emotions work in tandem, we are better equipped to navigate the intricacies of life, as we become capable of making informed decisions while also being attuned to the emotional aspect of our experiences.Achieving this balance between knowledge and feeling requires a conscious effort to reconnect with our emotions. It entails slowing down, introspecting, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. It means actively engaging with our surroundings, nurturing our relationships, and immersing ourselves in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. By doing so, we can regain a sense of wholeness and authenticity in a world that often feels fragmented and detached.Diving deep into Lawrence's quote and the underlying concept it introduces, we find ourselves on a transformative journey. It serves as a reminder to not let our excessive consciousness blind us to the wealth of emotional experiences waiting to be discovered. By integrating our intellectual pursuits with our emotional well-being, we can rediscover the true essence of what it means to be alive. Let us embrace both knowledge and emotions, for together, they hold the key to leading a fulfilling and meaningful life in our excessively conscious age.