Here is a link to my post on “non-doing”:

http://lespotter001.wordpress.com/2007/11/24/december-graduation-or-meet-your-fate-in-2008/

I hope you enjoy it.

Les

Your comments have me thinking not only about the joke it is to think that technology would have given workers more freedom, but the seemingly silly notion tossed around that the next generation is the one that will get things right.

It is kind of off-topic, but I really think that each succeeding generation sells out for the sale baubles of its predecessors. Technology is a part of this because the wealth potential based on tech gives people a form of buck fever…this time for the green ones, not the ones on four legs out in the woods.

Who is behind the expectation that everyone must work harder and harder to stay above water? That is what I don’t get. I’ve worked for companies that went through massive (tens of thousands) of layoffs while the CEO made something in excess of $20 million. Again far from the original topic, but that disconnect and resulting personal devastation is pure evil.

I have no faith in my fellow GenXers to do anything but mimic our elders. I have seen too many people my age fight for the $$ over supposed values, etc.

There must be a better way…And my thinking (perhaps overly idealistic) is that communicators can bridge this gap.

Your essay captures some of the angst that 40-, 50-, and 60-something technophiles feel daily. It’s oh-so easy to plug in, and the urge (as this Sunday morning comment shows) is almost a compulsive one (at least for me). I’m one of those people you describe, one whose workload has increased by 50, maybe even 100 percent thanks, in part, to the constant connection we all have. Like you, I both love it and hate it, but I’m certain I’ll never completely adjust to it.

I can’t tell you how many of my friends tell stories of feeling liberated when the “wires” malfunction, if only for a few hours as they did during your power outage. Given that the Internet has done so much to enhance our lives, why does it feel so damned good when it disappears for a few hours or days?

A question to ponder as we take on the challenges and the burdens of this new year.

You’re always such a thoughtful and insightful reader. I blush to think that you return to my humble blog from time to time.

I agree with you fully about finding time to “just think.” I wish more people (and my students) took time out of their plugged in lives to unwind and do a bit of deep thinking about their goals and aspirations as individuals and part of the larger society.

I think the evils of technology will be a topic I tackle after doing some research into the economicists’ arguments about the idea. I would love to read more from you on this point as well.

Thanks,
Bob

Not too long ago, I wrote in my More With Les weblog about just being — not cramming every minute with stimulation, be it in the technological form of ipod, cell phone, or whatever. Turn it all off from time to time and just think.

Like you, I love, yet at the same time, mistrust technology. I think one thing you said sums it up quite nicely: “My primary criticism is that technology should have made people more productive, thus enabling workers to work less, not more.” Ditto.

Les