What have we given up for the sake of convenience?
This is a half-assed post. I haven't posted yet as I had so much brewing and wanted to complete the thought process before posting but the brewing continues. This is a sacred time of hidden growth; roots spreading out under the soil before the first green shoots poke up their heads. I can feel the tension, the expectation, the rumination. Change is working its way to the surface.
In an episode of The Chosen, season 2, the question was posed around a campfire: what would you give up for unlimited wealth? I love questions like this, especially around a campfire. I was sitting on my comfortable couch in my climate-controlled living room when I heard it asked and almost immediately a similar but changed question echoed back in my conscious thoughts: what have I given for unlimited convenience?
Honestly, it floored me. I had never thought to ask the question in reverse. It’s easy to imagine what we would give up to attain something we assume would be worth it but never have I questioned what I’ve already given up to have what I do now.
This question has been bothering me for weeks now. It has been aided in that beneficial irritation by Felicia Wu Song’s book Restless Devices. Oh. my. word. The best way to describe this book is using the analogy of knowing the ingredients of hot dogs. No one who enjoys hot dogs really wants to know the ingredients or preparation methods. If you enjoy your social media account and digital-heavy lifestyle you are not going to want to read this book. Read it anyway. Be an informed consumer. If we are going to give up so much to have the conveniences and instant-access that we have now we should at least know what it is that we are trading. And if you’re a believer, her description of “abiding” and how, for most of us, that is a more accurate description of our online consumption than anything else…whoo. It’ll make you pause and rethink your priorities. Most likely you won’t know what to do about it -- that’s the boat I’m currently in. But being aware of it is the first half-assed step.
What have you given up in order to have unlimited convenience?
Also messing with my head is Jefferson Bethke’s 2015 book It’s Not What You Think. Go ahead and read those two books consecutively and then let’s meet for coffee or a walk and discuss them!
These aren’t complete thoughts, neatly outlined and tied with a bow. This is what is filling my headspace right now. Things are in a raw, unfinished state but, frankly, a steadily-growing excitement is filling my heart as I look with anticipation for the changes these thoughts will eventually bring.
If only I am willing…
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