Life, today, is fast. People are born; they grow up and die, even before they get enough time to realize what just happened. A lot of things have changed since the times when people spent entire evenings just sitting by a fireside and having tea, or whatever it was that they drank.
One of the many factors that have brought about these changes are machines. Today, we depend on machines of some sort or the other right from the day we are born to the day we breath our last. In fact machines, like an ultrasound machine, invade our lives even before we have seen the light of day.
An average day, for most of us, begins with the annoying sound of the alarm bringing us down into reality from the lofty realms of our dreams. Then, Its breakfast time--time to use some more machines like an microwave oven, toaster, mixer, juicer etc etc. Getting to work involves using some kind of an automobile. At work, different people use different machines but there is hardly any profession in the world today that does not require the use of some kind of machine or the other. Teaching how to use some of these machines is a profession in itself. Finally when its time for a good night’s rest, after going through the vagaries of another routine day, it’s time to turn on another machine - The Television.
Now, there is nothing wrong in that. If machines make life easier and comfortable, they should be used. But before we realize, these machines from being something that exist because of us, become so important that there is no us without them. From being something that was invented to make us stronger it weakens us, without even our realizing. Computer is a machine of this kind. It is amazing, truly miraculous, what can be achieved when man and computer work together in harmony. But when a man can’t think without a computer, it is wrong.
The use of machines gives us a false sense of superiority. We think we are capable of doing the biggest calculations, lifting the biggest loads and traveling as fast as we like. This is obviously not true but it’s hard to believe and not easy to digest that we cannot do that. The most evident example of this can be seen in the case of traveling, moving from one place to another. Every year…every day, in fact, thousands die, all across the world in accidents. Yet, when one is behind a wheel one feels secure and in control. One doesn’t know that one bolt in the rear wheel assembly is weak and can go out any time. One only feels the thrill of the speed and feels safe in the knowledge that the wheel will turn on his command. But not forever.
One of the many factors that have brought about these changes are machines. Today, we depend on machines of some sort or the other right from the day we are born to the day we breath our last. In fact machines, like an ultrasound machine, invade our lives even before we have seen the light of day.
An average day, for most of us, begins with the annoying sound of the alarm bringing us down into reality from the lofty realms of our dreams. Then, Its breakfast time--time to use some more machines like an microwave oven, toaster, mixer, juicer etc etc. Getting to work involves using some kind of an automobile. At work, different people use different machines but there is hardly any profession in the world today that does not require the use of some kind of machine or the other. Teaching how to use some of these machines is a profession in itself. Finally when its time for a good night’s rest, after going through the vagaries of another routine day, it’s time to turn on another machine - The Television.
Now, there is nothing wrong in that. If machines make life easier and comfortable, they should be used. But before we realize, these machines from being something that exist because of us, become so important that there is no us without them. From being something that was invented to make us stronger it weakens us, without even our realizing. Computer is a machine of this kind. It is amazing, truly miraculous, what can be achieved when man and computer work together in harmony. But when a man can’t think without a computer, it is wrong.
The use of machines gives us a false sense of superiority. We think we are capable of doing the biggest calculations, lifting the biggest loads and traveling as fast as we like. This is obviously not true but it’s hard to believe and not easy to digest that we cannot do that. The most evident example of this can be seen in the case of traveling, moving from one place to another. Every year…every day, in fact, thousands die, all across the world in accidents. Yet, when one is behind a wheel one feels secure and in control. One doesn’t know that one bolt in the rear wheel assembly is weak and can go out any time. One only feels the thrill of the speed and feels safe in the knowledge that the wheel will turn on his command. But not forever.
14 comments:
You are so right. I think it is sad that people are so isolated from the processes of life. Few people have any understanding of where their food comes from, how their clothing is made, what is between their house and their work that they drive by without ever really experiencing.
Carpe Diem
I sooooo agree however, I have seen a slight movement since I have returned to the US. Some people are beginning to take take for dinner, actually talk with other people and look at quality instead of what sparkles the most.
I think all things move in cycles perhaps we are moving back to cutting our own lawn.
We have lost the natural rhythm of life. We are at odds with the natural world in so many ways. It shows...
@jan: It is normal for people to reach the heights and then forget about the ladder that brought them there. But If we can change that for ourselves we will have made a difference.
@here the artist: :)
@travel Italy: It is good that things are changing. Dinner time is a special time and people who live under one roof should try and atleact have one meal together, preferably the dinner.
@cybercelt: Sadly we have and it does show. Every year the temperatures are rising and most places in the world are witnessing record temperatures. These are warning signs that are visible. Their might be some which are latent waiting to show their ugly faces, one fine day.
Dieu ! Vous êtes correct ! J'utilise une machine maintenant !
K
Yup. I kinda of hate it when everything goes so fast. I live in the city where everyone seems to be rushing for time. Sometimes I feel like the more we rush, the less time we seem to have.
Did you watch Irobot the movie? Is that why you are scared? hehe.
Machines can make life much easier and more comfortable, but they can also be an inhibitor. Take my computer for example. I would spend a lot more time outside if I didn’t sit in front of this, blogging all the time. Nice post!
very truely said.....
Take the example of mobiles....ppl nw r so well connected that they don't greet each other when they call....
JayB sent me. What a guy!
@k: What language is that. If you would tell me. I would google it and find out whatyou said.:)
@ noi: its true the more we rush, the less time we have. The secret of having more time is to stop, reflect and plan how you are going to use your time. After all, as they say, even Einsteins day had 24 hours.
I did watch I,Robot but that wasnt scary. Not yet.
@reeholio: Computers are the best thing that human mind has invented. The problem is we are trying to make one as smart as us or smarter.
@ sunil: True. Its funny how we sometimes ignore a person who is sitting right in front of us to talk to someone on the phone.
You've made really good points here, Neo. I do try to turn our t.v. off whenever I realize I'm not paying attention to it. One thing I do realize, I'm grateful for these machines. :)
well to find out how strong the car assembly is we go to the service station.. don't we?
Very nice site! Online digital printing service reviews No teeth blowjobs disease liver cancer Mitsubishi wd 62526 review Pee-pee asians e liquid natural vitamin wholesale Free chubby mature sex links norwegian sweaters Latin zene mp3 archive erotic lesbian nifty story growth for bookkeeping services Bulk email alpesh http://www.antibiotic-zithromax.info/Porsche928poster.html cameras de surveillance sans fils Photos of early air conditioners Malinda michael baker modesto ca Use for didrex Germany law offices Leadership training and children vardenafil kaufen
Post a Comment