Monday, March 12, 2012

Slowing things Down


A century ago, it took weeks to get from Europe to the US. Now we jump on a jet (private or commercial) and we're across the pond in hours, entertained by music, a movie or we simply sleep during the transit. 

When I was young we had no cell phones and if somebody wanted to contact you instantly, they simply couldn't.

Today if my Internet speed isn't darned near "instant", I am vastly dissatisfied.

This is not a rant on the good old days and the bad life in 'the modern'. 

It's about the need to discover what it is that we find valuable and to pursue it. Discovering that requires that we take the time to consider a great deal and it's necessary that we slow down the hectic pace of life to do that. You can still do it, but somehow it's harder today than it was a century ago because we've sped up everything and the planet runs captive to the 24 hour news cycle.

The breakneck speed of life that we're all now tied to will break not our necks, but our ability to decide what is valuable because of the speed with which we confront each decision matrix. 

The next time you have a day off work or go on vacation, don't just turn off the cell phone -- leave it behind. Oh, I know that you simply CAN'T do that. But twenty years ago everyone didn't have one and somehow, they muddled through.


5 comments:

Race Bannon said...

...and people take offense when you don't answer your phone. I simply cannot live every day answering calls and texts all day. I hate to be 'that guy,' but I would love to ditch the thing!

Anonymous said...

Now that talking and driving is illegal in Nevada I find my commute much more relaxing...music, NPR, or just my thoughts!

WoFat said...

So few people have anything to say, but it takes them forever to say it.

LL said...

There's much more to life than increasing its speed.

Opus #6 said...

When I spend time with friends, I try to ignore my cell completely. Not checking it at all. Not even in the ladies room.

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