Be Sharp

People can be proud of the craziest things. It usually seems to manifest when something new comes along. Instead of jumping in there and learning more about it, there is a sort of inherent distrust that masquerades as arrogance, or false pride.

How many people have I heard boast about their ineptness when it comes to using a computer? Don’t they realize that people once did the same thing with calculators, telephones, even automobiles?

The world is going to move forward and anything that facilitates that is going to take root in our culture. Some of it won’t last, but some of it not only will last, it is actually good for the world.

Choosing to be stuck at a particular place in time doesn’t really mean you live more simply. It doesn’t mean you live more frugally, or that the world is a better place because you won’t move forward.

On the contrary, anything that cuts down on the trees we use, or the gas and oil we use is a good thing. Being able to contact a doctor faster that jumping on a horse and riding around the countryside looking for help, is a good thing. Using a simple email that needs no paper, or stamp, or gas to deliver it, is a good thing. Not only is it good for the earth, it makes it easier to keep in touch with friends and family. Digital pictures can be shared in an instant. Grandma no longer needs to wait weeks, or months, to see baby Jean.

Progress is no worse than you make it. You don’t have to answer your phone if you are eating dinner with your family, or visiting with a friend. Messages make it possible to do it at a more convenient time. A reasonable person uses technology for their own purposes.

Continuing to learn new things keeps your mind sharp and keeps you involved in the world. Why would anyone not want that?