| January 5, 2000 | 03 00050 61 00010502 |
Ms. Stephanie Buck
rksabuck2@cs.com
5112 Keller Ridge Drive
Clayton, CA 94517
| Subject: | Prometheus and Literacy |
Dear Steph,
Here is analysis of a paper written by Hutch Armstrong, who was at your school last year. He is living in New York now. His dad sent a letter explaining Hutch's paper on the legend of Prometheus. Since you are in the same grade, this analysis may provide ideas for your school work.
An example might be to write about the origins of alphabet technology, and modern pressures that suppress literacy. This is somewhat topical, since Gutenberg, who invented the printing press, was recently cited for having contributed the most to advance civilization during the past 1000 years. Considering the work of Watt, Smith, Jefferson, Newton, Pasteur, Darwin and others, this indicates alphabet technology is important. A focus for another paper might be why the alphabet is more important than atomic power, the computer, the automobile, polio vaccines, etc., and second, can anything be done to enhance the value of the alphabet?
How does Prometheus figure into this analysis? What did he do and what does his fate suggest might befall others who dare to brighten the light of knowledge? Does this support Aristotle's view that courage is the most valued virtue, because without courage other virtues, however useful, cannot flourish?
Rod
Rod Welch
rowelch@attglobal.net