In this paper, you will consider the pursuit of ecstatic experience in modern life. Armstrong refers to ekstasis (7) as a transcendent experience that human beings in all historical eras have sought out in order to “lift us momentarily beyond ourselves. At such times, we feel that we inhabit our humanity more fully than usual and experience an enhancement of being” (7). Using quotes and examples from Armstrong, Foer, and Lethem, respond to the following prompt:
Why might young people in the West today be more likely to seek ekstasis through Facebook or creative art than religion? Are they likely, in fact, to find the transcendence they’re looking for in those places?
Reading:
Franklin Foer, “Mark Zuckerburg’s War on Free Will”
Jonathan Lethem, “The Ecstasy of Influence”
Karen Armstrong, “Homo Religiosus”
Must be 4 pages (1200 words), MLA Citation, ex. (Foer 67). Must read three reading and use specific evidence with quotes with great analysis.
