Comments about ‘Wright Words: The 24-hour, technology-free challenge’

As a repressed Luddite, I find this piece very refreshing. I've always had a suspicion that modern technology promoted brain-rot, among other disagreeable things. Ishmael went to sea when he felt freaky; I walk the Blue Ridge, staring at trees, watching squirrels scurry about and clouds floating above me.

Too many people nowadays need to be reintroduced to their thoughts, their Center. 24 hours is a great start, but I'd recommend doing it once a week. Perhaps on the Sabbath, for example.

as always, enjoyed another of jason's snapshots of life.

had to walk a couple of blocks today in a philippine torrent - another 'low pressure system' west of us. wished the umbrella in the car had been with me. my wife thought it was funny that we had an umbrella but not a towel. but like many rain experiences, i am reminded that one thing i learned in vietnam is that we don't melt in the rain.

questions: was the car running? when did jason finally get it back home?

Technological devices are tools. They work to make life easier.

And for the record, cars and ovens are technological tools, too. But no one feels compelled to apologize for using those.

Using modern technology is no big deal and nothing to be ashamed of. Not using it is nothing to brag about or be excited about.

As someone that frequently incurs the ire of of my wife because I forget to take my phone with me, I can't really identify with being so dependent/addicted. I do know that it is ridiculous the extent to which people talk about drivel on their phones while ignoring the people they are with. Ridiculous seems to be something we all have a talent for in one way or another.

Many people also use their cars too much. Fortunately ovens are boring enough that few seem to struggle with using them in moderation. The point is that technology has become the tail wagging the dog in too many people's lives. As long as technology is used as a tool to achieve an independent goal or purpose, then it is good. When the technology starts to become the purpose, that is a problem. People can choose (or simple drift along) any course they wish in life. Other people pointing out alternative choices is fine too.

Such a fun article to read! Thanks, Jason. Sounds like you have a darling family.