Marshall McLuhan

“Herbert Marshall McLuhan, (July 21, 1911 – December 31, 1980) was a Canadian educator, philosopher, and scholar — a professor of English literature, a literary critic, a rhetorician, and a communications theorist. McLuhan's work is viewed as one of the cornerstones of the study of media theory.” (1)

Marshall McLuhan has come up with many interesting theories about media, and media technology, this video clips show some of the view the McLuhan held.



The quote; “We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us” is taken from the book Understanding Media: The Extension of Man, which was Originally published in 1964.

This statement is taken from a Psalmist view that we become what we behold; “Corinthians 3:18, we "become what we behold." If God is truly glad and kind (mixed also with justice and righteousness) then we will become glad and kind people able to love others. But if we think that God is angry, distant, calculating, moody, disappointed with us and generally finding fault with us - we will become like that to others. And that is to be a Pharisee.” (2)

Overall I have found this quote to have a much deeper meaning and understanding that I had originally, I have also found that this particular theory can be applied to a wide variety of themes.

Sources used within this post

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_McLuhan
(2) http://www.onlinethoughts.com/currentwork/Gladness_of_God.htm