Technology makes our world a better place to live, but we don’t need most of it. I’m grateful for the wheel and other essential objects and ideas like this that have shaped our world, but some of the technology we implement on a daily basis is just silly. Silly or not, I’m blessed to have access to all the advancements that are out there.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
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8 replies on “Count Your Blessings 12: Technology”
I’m not convinced that most of this technology is such a good thing. I know how to make a quill out of a goose feather; to produce ink from soot and oak galls; to make parchment – yes, I can skin a goat and prepare the hide to make a good writing surface – so I have all I need with which to write, which is what I do. Even now, over half my output is hand drafted, and only put on the word processor to be passed to the publisher.
As for all the other technology: I can still walk to the village shop, so I don’t need a car. I hate the telephone and would rather write a letter or walk round an talk to someone. I blew up our microwave cooker by leaving a spoon in a bowl of soup I wanted hot. So what? I can make a cooking fire with two sticks and a piece of string – and it still works! I can even make the string if it comes to that, and did so for years whist living in the African bush; and I still have a clay cooking pot I made thirty-five years ago, and that still works too!
No, I can do without technology. It simply complicates life unnecessarily. But you use it if you want, I won’t stop you. And I will stand and watch you struggle when it breaks down.
I’m not sure why this comment sounds so hostile, but it does.
1st. Nowhere in the message above do I state that I can’t live without technology. I have clearly explained that while I feel that some advancements are rather silly, I am grateful for general advancements in technology.
2nd. I’m sorry if you have trouble working a microwave and would prefer to erect a spit for which to cook your food on, but that doesn’t make technology bad.
3rd. As for as me struggling without technology, you have no idea what I’m capable of. Simply because I wasn’t born and raised in the African bush doesn’t mean I can’t survive without technology.
Lastly, you may not like technology, but you use it. Unless I missed something, you didn’t read this article in a printed (form of tech) periodical distributed by air (form of tech) mail and then wrote up your response on a piece a parchment with your quill and ink. You didn’t then mail it to me and I transcribed it and used magic (no need to mention forms of tech here) to post it here on the Internet (form of tech).
You don’t have to like technology, but why do you have to bash it so?
Technology has helped in a lot of ways. Especially with medicine. A great reminder.
Thanks for stopping by. Glad you appreciate the post.
There was nothing at all hostile (or personal) in my comment. Rather it was a wry reflection on the dependence of modern society on technology. We’ve all given in to convenience and made ourselves slaves to it to such a degree that our lives have become very artificial. Nobody said I can’t use a microwave; I simply made a silly mistake with it, about which others can laugh if they choose to. But I do have reservations about good natural food being irradiated as a means of cooking it. And nobody suggested you cant live without technology.
No need tot jump to unwarranted conclusions. Loosen your corset and don’t get your knickers in a twist.
(P.S. I’m still smiling as I type this, and I still enjoy your posts!)
Thank you for clarifying the original intent of your first comment. I thought it was odd to seem so harsh, but I could have simply been in a mood to perceive things in such a way. Obviously, my comment was a harsh retort to what I perceived as hostility. I’m glad to know that wasn’t the case and I apologize if any feelings were hurt.
In all honesty, I don’t like conflict, but I accept that it’s a part of life. If ever you do want to debate an issue and disagree with me, please don’t be afraid to speak up. I don’t care for arguments and political debates, but I believe people have a right to say how they feel, even if I don’t agree with it. However, when it comes to defending my thoughts and ideas, I don’t hold punches.
All in all, I think we both made some valid points and perhaps learned some small lessons.
I sincerely look forward to your comments in the future, should you feel the desire to leave any.
P.S. I love that non-U.S. citizens use the word “knickers”. It sounds so much better than what we say. As for my corset, can you tell I burned that thing a long time ago. 😉
That’s the great thing about discussions like this, Toi. They let you open up discussions, view things from different angles and alternative cultural perspectives. It’s an opportunity to challenge ideas, get feedback and develop the depth and range of one’s understanding.
It’s your blog which creates all these opportunities and, even though many will read without commenting, you’re contributing something so valuable to a lot of people. Hang in there, you’re doing a grad job!
I truly appreciate that. It means a lot.