This will be helpful for student pursuing literature and and English in General.

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In the first part or in the early chapters of the book “building a bridge to the 18th century,
Neil Postman” tries to make an introduction for the entire book. He introduces the idea of going
back to the past lifestyle which was full of great ideas from great people like Athens who
discovered science. He also tries to incorporate some other thinkers into his book to bring up some
sense in what is saying.
Neil Postman calls for the change in the current lifestyle and going back to the original
lifestyles if at all we need a successful 21st century. He tries to advise especially those are not too
much into to the so-called technology and shows no concern for the people who have already
chosen the technology way, this is evident where he says, “I am not writing my book for these
people. I write for those who are still searching for a way to confront the future, a way that faces
reality as it is, that is connected to a humane tradition that provides sane authority and meaningful
purpose. I include myself among such people (Postman, 11).” This shows that the kind of bridge
to the 21st century which Neil Postman tries to create is a change from the “technology society”
to a society of good ideas like it was in the past centuries like the 5th century.
However for Neil Postman to prove himself right and also to shows some greater sense in
his idea for the bridge or for change, he quotes several thinkers giving the ideas which these great
thinkers postulated which are relevant to his views. This is evident where he says, “Goethe”:"One
should, each day, try to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if possible,

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speak a few reasonable words." “Socrates”: "The unexamined life is not worth living." “Rabbi
Hillel,”: "What is hateful to thee, do not do to another." “The prophet Micah:” "What does the
Lord require of thee but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God." and “Henry
David Thoreau”: "All our inventions are but improved means to an unimproved end (Postman,
13)."
The points postulated by this great thinkers are relevant to the ideas of Neil Postman. For
example, Goethe who says that we should read a poem, a song and talk reasonable taking us to
what was done in the past the same way Neil Postman wants has to focus. Socrates another thinker
say that we should not live a life that has not been examined, Socrates also tries to tell us to go to
that life we used to live in the past but not this unexamined life we are trying to invent. Rabbi
Hillel talks about avoiding that what is harmful, the same way Postman talks about harming clones
who are still the same way as humans and he does not forget his home colleague, Henri David
Thoreau who is against improved inventions saying that they will bring has to an end just the same
way postman is against the technology and the inventions.
Conclusion
Neil Postman in his first two chapters gives the book a good introduction. He formulates
ideas which make the book appear more interesting to read. However, besides giving the book a
good introduction, Neil Postman postulates good ideas for the betterment of the society. Neil
Postman has a good knowledge for the society and what he refers to a bridge is essential saving
the technology kind of society.

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Work cited
Postman, Neil. Building a Bridge to the 18th Century: How the Past Can Improve Our Future.
New York: Vintage eBooks, 2011. Internet resource.