The Buffalo News: Opinion: Technology will drive all of humanity nuts: "I thought I might ease my inner turmoil with a big dose of beer and satellite TV. Debating cable vs. dish with a neighbor as I fidgeted with my six pack in a Bells supermarket checkout line, Sister Alida Ross, who was standing behind us, calmly interrupted, 'I couldn't help overhear your conversation, sir. Don't do it. Get rid of the TV and tell your kids to read a book. They'll be better off.' Her advice was blissfully refreshing -- like getting back to the country. But my kids have never forgiven me for taking it.
I'm being cynical of course. It's just that you can't ignore 'progress' unless you happen to be Amish. Folks living in our neck of the woods are way too comfortable and self-absorbed to be bothered by the fact that the exact same wave of technological ecstasy gave us so-called miracles in science and medicine, and all those marvelous toys!
Maybe our unwavering faith in technology is highly misplaced, and technology itself the very cause of our woes? Does anyone ever STOP long enough to think about that?
If you're wondering what this has to do with me buying a new computer, I'll try to explain. You see, I have no choice but to fully embrace this amazing life. And I know I don't need a computer, FiOS internet access, HDTV with 300 channels or the newest 'flip' to do it. Those things are little more than expensive distractions that end up owning us. I'm not cheap if that's what you're thinking. I'm just worried about losing the truly important things; like time for a long, guiltless, lazy afternoon by the river with my family and friends, and a decent bottle of Oregon Pinot.
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