Lately, I do my tiny rebellions while commuting or walking to work. No headphones, no book, just fully present with my surroundings. I've found that I have more conversations with strangers, even as simple as helping with directions, because I am leaving myself more "open" to those around me. I quite enjoy it!
Excellent piece of writing Tom! I also appreciate the end: A few practical tips and tricks to get your mind right and avoid some of our modern distractions without just going cold turkey. Love it.
I’ve noticed how anxious my grandchildren are. I am anxious myself but at 63, all the blinkers are off.
There seems to be so much pressure on little ones today, even more than when we were young.
Billy Joel’s song “Under Pressure” echoes in my mind thinking about this.
Respect to the curious people especially young ones and the possibility of the refreshing of one’s viewpoint by staying informed and asking questions all the time.
This: "The best minds of my generation are building algorithms to keep us doomscrolling instead of designing anything that lasts." Definitely been feeling this in SF. So many brilliant young people frantically trying to build the next AI hyper growth story.
I'm lying in bed with a pulled muscle in my back. Seemed like a good time to go on Substack and do a little reading. I'm gIad I came upon your words and thoughts. Although I subscribed, I will try my best to live in the real world and not in my phone. All this digital information suppresses my own creativity and life is less meaningful.
Thank you! That is an inexhaustible list. I just saw my chiropractor and he really helped. I need to take it easy and not go to YOGA class anymore. It will give me more time for reading, a necessity & always a luxury.
It took me two hours to read through this post. Sorry, Tom. 13 emails, a couple YouTube videos and a trip to the backyard to fix the sprinklers. By the way, what were you saying?
Popcorn brain. Never heard that before and it makes total sense.
Spot on article, completely agree with your perspective.
Technological advances of the past 20 years or so are geared towards locking down a consumer than empowering the human spirit.
Amen. “The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison.”
That’s why I think society is going more towards a world of Idiocracy/Brave New World vs Terminator/1984.
Pleasure seems to be a better ruler than pain.
I agree. It is a willful lobotomy en masse.
Willful lobotomy…that’s a poem.
Lately, I do my tiny rebellions while commuting or walking to work. No headphones, no book, just fully present with my surroundings. I've found that I have more conversations with strangers, even as simple as helping with directions, because I am leaving myself more "open" to those around me. I quite enjoy it!
Excellent piece of writing Tom! I also appreciate the end: A few practical tips and tricks to get your mind right and avoid some of our modern distractions without just going cold turkey. Love it.
Thank you!
I’ve noticed how anxious my grandchildren are. I am anxious myself but at 63, all the blinkers are off.
There seems to be so much pressure on little ones today, even more than when we were young.
Billy Joel’s song “Under Pressure” echoes in my mind thinking about this.
Respect to the curious people especially young ones and the possibility of the refreshing of one’s viewpoint by staying informed and asking questions all the time.
Respect
Carol Power
Johannesburg
South Africa
This: "The best minds of my generation are building algorithms to keep us doomscrolling instead of designing anything that lasts." Definitely been feeling this in SF. So many brilliant young people frantically trying to build the next AI hyper growth story.
It would make me laugh if it didn’t make me cry
Excellent gruesome image, excellent writing. I had a visceral reaction to the image.
The irony of reading excellent articles on the great distraction ON the vehicle that IS the distraction is never lost on me.
I give myself an hour a day, and choose wisely. Your writing is one I read first.
Thank you!
I'm lying in bed with a pulled muscle in my back. Seemed like a good time to go on Substack and do a little reading. I'm gIad I came upon your words and thoughts. Although I subscribed, I will try my best to live in the real world and not in my phone. All this digital information suppresses my own creativity and life is less meaningful.
Feel better! Here are some books that you might enjoy: https://www.tomwhitenoise.com/bookshelf
Thank you! That is an inexhaustible list. I just saw my chiropractor and he really helped. I need to take it easy and not go to YOGA class anymore. It will give me more time for reading, a necessity & always a luxury.
Killer
Not as killer as cheap dopamine!
It took me two hours to read through this post. Sorry, Tom. 13 emails, a couple YouTube videos and a trip to the backyard to fix the sprinklers. By the way, what were you saying?
Welcome to the new normal.