Man, I loved technology. I built my own computers, experimented with A/V stuff, and getting new software felt like Christmas morning. Like you, I no longer feel this way.
I now believe that modern technology has the capability to sign you up for a Faustian deal. No one ever told me that iPhones would destroy my family holidays by hacking human attention so well that people stare at their phones rather than look up and enjoy each other's presence. No one told me it had the power to alter my perception of my own life experiences when I get sad that my wonderful holiday got few likes. And no one told me it'd make me a low-key Enemy of the State if I wanted not to use Facebook anymore.
“Fish can’t see the water” probably comes out of my mouth at least three times a week. It’s an important thing to remember.
As for what marks the beginning of adulthood, your buddy Bly has what I think are some good suggestions. It’s something that can only help, I think.
Great reminders and reflections in this one, man. Thanks for sharing.
We we don't even bother boxing software anymore! The nintendo switch still has cartridges, which is nice. But I feel it's more marketing gimmic than a commitment. It's hard to have your games on display if there is nothing to display.
The fish joke is really good :)
I think the issue with Bly is he doesn't offer a device or thing to signify the transition, but just a metaphysical one. And where can you buy that?! :)
Oh I meant his rites of passage stuff. I think a case can be made that that's not a bad idea. There's a school up near me who does this as an optional capstone project for the high school seniors.
Awesome article. I was surprised on your bitpunk.fm poetry stream when you mentioned you were an ex hacker-- but I thought about it and it makes perfect sense.
Growing up I was always fascinated by technology, from videogames, to computers, movie effects, the internet when it first became public. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, it felt like every problem that ever existed would eventually get solved with computers. My, oh my, how things have changed.
Yeah, there really was such optimism. I guess idk, maybe our parents were like what's the point of these thing and only rich people had car phones back then. But you identified the key point, we just don't feel excited about technology anymore. Will the iphone 23 be much better? How many times can you do this?
Technology has corrupted mankind. That's my take on it. I learned to drive when I was 12 years old, but we lived on a small farm, so all the kids started learning at that age.
Life changed completely with the advancement in technology. One positive is that I can write and interact with people all over the globe. Great post, Josh!
Part of the reason why I like to bring a physical copy of a book to work is because I don’t want to read from my cell phone. Easy to get distracted which can compound, and no need to charge a physical book either.
I don’t even have text message notifications on my phone, I check those on my own time. If somebody has to get a hold of me right away, they have to call me.
Josh! This is one of your best posts. The nonet is so effective, an expanse of freedom with the car and the open road degrades to one word that stops its all: phones.
And this: "And computers, by design and theory, which I still find fascinating but no longer wish to discuss — I kinda do want to discuss but I will restrain myself — Computers by design and theory can do anything any other computer can do. I will not elaborate at this time." Well now I need to hear what you have to say about it!
I like how you made the argument personal with your daughter's takes. Your youngest allowed for unexpected wisdom to round this whole thing out perfectly. I chose a cupcake too. And bonus points for finding a way to mention Taylor Swift!
I'm biting my tongue :) It's too nerdy. But you might snipe me on Friday I probably won't be able to resist.
People will listen to Taylor! She has I think mostly stayed out of most things, which is smart, but you know, if she was out there recommending Blood Meridian she'd move the needle for sure.
Never cared about cars. I no longer drive and now care even less. True for any conveyance--helicopters, C130s, parachutes, etc. I suspect you harbor some residual affection for submarines. But as for engineering ... About 67 years ago, in an ordinance engineering class, one of our instructors, Captain Frank Borman (remember Apollo 13?) wanted to demonstrate why the Army's new Wac Corporal field missile was so intolerably inaccurate. He brought in a new-fangled contraption, an analog computer made up of a bank of high input impedance operational amplifiers with combinations of capacitive and inductive feedback to simulate the behavior of the reactive components of the missile launcher. And lo! As the missile was about to clear the launcher the guide rail, rebounding from launch just tipped the fin of the missile, sending it off course. The solution? Trim a few mm off the launch rail--a technical circumcision.
Man, I loved technology. I built my own computers, experimented with A/V stuff, and getting new software felt like Christmas morning. Like you, I no longer feel this way.
I now believe that modern technology has the capability to sign you up for a Faustian deal. No one ever told me that iPhones would destroy my family holidays by hacking human attention so well that people stare at their phones rather than look up and enjoy each other's presence. No one told me it had the power to alter my perception of my own life experiences when I get sad that my wonderful holiday got few likes. And no one told me it'd make me a low-key Enemy of the State if I wanted not to use Facebook anymore.
“Fish can’t see the water” probably comes out of my mouth at least three times a week. It’s an important thing to remember.
As for what marks the beginning of adulthood, your buddy Bly has what I think are some good suggestions. It’s something that can only help, I think.
Great reminders and reflections in this one, man. Thanks for sharing.
We we don't even bother boxing software anymore! The nintendo switch still has cartridges, which is nice. But I feel it's more marketing gimmic than a commitment. It's hard to have your games on display if there is nothing to display.
The fish joke is really good :)
I think the issue with Bly is he doesn't offer a device or thing to signify the transition, but just a metaphysical one. And where can you buy that?! :)
Oh I meant his rites of passage stuff. I think a case can be made that that's not a bad idea. There's a school up near me who does this as an optional capstone project for the high school seniors.
Where can I trade in my phone for a cupcake?
It’s modern day phone-control! Turn in your phone, no question asked, get a cupcake :)
I'm in this line too.
“Cupcake” is the correct answer to the question you asked. Great meditation on our modern environment. I think we’re all feeling it in our own ways.
Yes, cupcakes. You make it sound like a Douglas Adams answer to life, the universe, and everything :)
Yeah, I feel like I only have more questions these days then sure-footed answers. Thanks for reading Tom.
Awesome article. I was surprised on your bitpunk.fm poetry stream when you mentioned you were an ex hacker-- but I thought about it and it makes perfect sense.
Growing up I was always fascinated by technology, from videogames, to computers, movie effects, the internet when it first became public. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, it felt like every problem that ever existed would eventually get solved with computers. My, oh my, how things have changed.
Yeah, there really was such optimism. I guess idk, maybe our parents were like what's the point of these thing and only rich people had car phones back then. But you identified the key point, we just don't feel excited about technology anymore. Will the iphone 23 be much better? How many times can you do this?
Technology has corrupted mankind. That's my take on it. I learned to drive when I was 12 years old, but we lived on a small farm, so all the kids started learning at that age.
Life changed completely with the advancement in technology. One positive is that I can write and interact with people all over the globe. Great post, Josh!
There does seem to be a kind of Faustian-bargain with it for sure. And likewise Rea, I’m glad for the opportunity to connect!
I needed to hear this today. thank you
Yeah, thanks for stopping by!
Part of the reason why I like to bring a physical copy of a book to work is because I don’t want to read from my cell phone. Easy to get distracted which can compound, and no need to charge a physical book either.
I don’t even have text message notifications on my phone, I check those on my own time. If somebody has to get a hold of me right away, they have to call me.
“Never need to charge” sounds like a feature right there! They should add it to the cover :)
I bend my paperbacks like they go out of style. I do enjoy it as well!
Yeah, haha like a sticker on the cover. I put my paperbacks through the ringer too at times.
Josh! This is one of your best posts. The nonet is so effective, an expanse of freedom with the car and the open road degrades to one word that stops its all: phones.
And this: "And computers, by design and theory, which I still find fascinating but no longer wish to discuss — I kinda do want to discuss but I will restrain myself — Computers by design and theory can do anything any other computer can do. I will not elaborate at this time." Well now I need to hear what you have to say about it!
I like how you made the argument personal with your daughter's takes. Your youngest allowed for unexpected wisdom to round this whole thing out perfectly. I chose a cupcake too. And bonus points for finding a way to mention Taylor Swift!
I'm biting my tongue :) It's too nerdy. But you might snipe me on Friday I probably won't be able to resist.
People will listen to Taylor! She has I think mostly stayed out of most things, which is smart, but you know, if she was out there recommending Blood Meridian she'd move the needle for sure.
Lmao Taylor pushing Blood Meridian has me dying laughing 🤣🤣🤣
To cupcakes and cars, and to the things that take us out to the stars - priceless ✨❤️🧁🚘✨
“Now
it’s
phones”
That line felt like a punch, a reminder of what we are loosing, good wake up call (but not on the phone)
wake up call :) Thanks Marjorie!
Never cared about cars. I no longer drive and now care even less. True for any conveyance--helicopters, C130s, parachutes, etc. I suspect you harbor some residual affection for submarines. But as for engineering ... About 67 years ago, in an ordinance engineering class, one of our instructors, Captain Frank Borman (remember Apollo 13?) wanted to demonstrate why the Army's new Wac Corporal field missile was so intolerably inaccurate. He brought in a new-fangled contraption, an analog computer made up of a bank of high input impedance operational amplifiers with combinations of capacitive and inductive feedback to simulate the behavior of the reactive components of the missile launcher. And lo! As the missile was about to clear the launcher the guide rail, rebounding from launch just tipped the fin of the missile, sending it off course. The solution? Trim a few mm off the launch rail--a technical circumcision.