Weschler p 75-100

            In this section of the book, Weschler explores the definition of wonder. He quotes many different sources and different definitions of wonder; my favorite definition is from Albertus Magnus, a Catholic Bishop of the 12^th century, who defined wonder as something that occurs at the heart, something “deep within, at the vital emotional center of witness.” Weschler describes times throughout history when humans have experienced wonder; for example, when Columbus brought tales of America to Europe or when citizens of cold England first encountered artifacts from warmer, more exotic places. Weschler argues that wonder has driven the advance of human society; it compels exploration. Wonder compelled the English to build roads and develop advanced shipping methods to reach Africa and the Americas; wonder has driven the advance of technology for the purpose of exploration and discovery.

            Weschler also goes through a history of museums, places where humans house objects that elicit a sense of wonder. The presence of museums confirms the presence of wonder throughout human history and proves its status as an important emotion; humans have been so moved by wonder throughout time that we have constructed grand buildings with the sole purposes of housing wonderful and strange things.

            Weschler is showing that wonder is a basic and important human emotion. It is essential to societal and technological advancement. Wonder transcends truth and fiction; it is still confusing as to whether may of the exhibits in Wilson’s museum are real or false. Weschler is beginning to discover that perhaps it doesn’t matter. Maybe the goal of a museum is to create a sense of wonder; maybe that goal is more important even than relaying truthful information.