HMS Progress? I don't know maybe I'm flying too high, but in the big scheme of things we are hardly making any. Our "civilization" was never renowned for its ability to nurture critical thinking skills (or, for that matter, for promoting mental health). A few kids would always figure it out but most -- the "masses" -- won't. The ratio appears to be oddly stable across the times and cultures.
"For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Otherwise, what is the issue? That the social media would threaten the stability of the Matrix that holds our societies together? For all we know, the smartphones only make its grip stronger. And its goal (our goal) -- to teach every kid to think for themselves -- remains as elusive as it has been since the beginning of history.
See, you’re doing it wrong, Mr. Gage. Your attire while smoking should be either a pile of rags, while screaming “Unclean! Unclean!”, or a stitched-up scarlet letter S on your clothing. Gone are the days of smoking jackets. You probably look like you’re ENJOYING YOURSELF (!!!) as you have your little cig, and we cannot allow that!
The legislation is window dressing, as any parent with kids in secondary school will tell you. Most schools already have a "no phones" policy, kids can carry them for emergency use (when did you last see a working phone box?) but they must be switched off when on school premises. So.
My kids school still use books, pen and paper. I think they're the only high school in town that does, and our kids learn far more because of this.
In my retirement I substitute teach here in Virginia and all the kids use computers in class. Instead of doing their prescribed lessons, as left for me by the teacher, many of them play video games, listen to so-called "music", or fiddle with their dumbphones despite my reminding them to do their work.
Wow. I was surprised to hear this. I am cheering you guys on over there. Good stuff.
I think the parents and school systems are still battling over here for the Right to learn while you are at school. Seems hard to believe but that’s where we are at. Parents got a glimpse of the insanity during Covid and that was that. Unacceptable. Now while they are fighting for their kids to be taught at least the basics. They wound up just behind us Patriots and Good Will towards all men people … on the list as terrorist.
According to the FBI and homeland security.
They don’t care. Everybody wants their kids to learn at school.
Thanks for the good news!
We are rooting for you guys over here across the pond.
Yes rare common sense but I fear the genie cannot now be put back in the bottle. Those who brought the search engine into being (Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al) made a marvellous invention. In its wake came those who created the social media monster. (Zuckerberg et al). The upside of the digital information explosion is that it has been such a boon for those with intellectual curiosity. The downside is the power it has given to the Pied Piper of narcissism, neuroticism and vacuity.
"Plato worried that the written word would mulch minds into mush." -- but he was right! We are supposed to piece together and rely upon our own understanding. Writing offers an easier substitute -- one can devour books and learn to sound like they are smart and educated and what not... like they understand.
That's why Socrates never bothered to write down anything, and neither did Jesus, nor Buddha. This is no joke.
I whole-heartedly agree. I'm also reading this and commenting on my smartphone, so there it is.
HMS Progress? I don't know maybe I'm flying too high, but in the big scheme of things we are hardly making any. Our "civilization" was never renowned for its ability to nurture critical thinking skills (or, for that matter, for promoting mental health). A few kids would always figure it out but most -- the "masses" -- won't. The ratio appears to be oddly stable across the times and cultures.
"For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Otherwise, what is the issue? That the social media would threaten the stability of the Matrix that holds our societies together? For all we know, the smartphones only make its grip stronger. And its goal (our goal) -- to teach every kid to think for themselves -- remains as elusive as it has been since the beginning of history.
Mr. Gage,
I absolutely agree. I have limited my time on my phone to work hours. Podcasts well working. Reading on break.
I find the whole political thing boaring. Every cycle it's the most important election ever. It's binary. The world will end.
To that I say, well hoisting a cold on, fuck it.
I read more books now. I do miss smoking, but occupational fibrosis screwed that up.
You sir are my exception to the screen rule.
So I say, thank you.
See, you’re doing it wrong, Mr. Gage. Your attire while smoking should be either a pile of rags, while screaming “Unclean! Unclean!”, or a stitched-up scarlet letter S on your clothing. Gone are the days of smoking jackets. You probably look like you’re ENJOYING YOURSELF (!!!) as you have your little cig, and we cannot allow that!
The legislation is window dressing, as any parent with kids in secondary school will tell you. Most schools already have a "no phones" policy, kids can carry them for emergency use (when did you last see a working phone box?) but they must be switched off when on school premises. So.
My kids school still use books, pen and paper. I think they're the only high school in town that does, and our kids learn far more because of this.
And I too read this on my smartphone 😂
Great article!
In my retirement I substitute teach here in Virginia and all the kids use computers in class. Instead of doing their prescribed lessons, as left for me by the teacher, many of them play video games, listen to so-called "music", or fiddle with their dumbphones despite my reminding them to do their work.
I thought you said you quit smoking cigarettes. If you haven’t. Go ahead and quit. You are still you enough. Don’t keep smoking.
Oh. And you are you still drinking? Oh Lord!
Wow. I was surprised to hear this. I am cheering you guys on over there. Good stuff.
I think the parents and school systems are still battling over here for the Right to learn while you are at school. Seems hard to believe but that’s where we are at. Parents got a glimpse of the insanity during Covid and that was that. Unacceptable. Now while they are fighting for their kids to be taught at least the basics. They wound up just behind us Patriots and Good Will towards all men people … on the list as terrorist.
According to the FBI and homeland security.
They don’t care. Everybody wants their kids to learn at school.
Thanks for the good news!
We are rooting for you guys over here across the pond.
Palahniuk is a goddam prophet. And thanks for preaching the good word.
Hope they haven't banned stupid phones as well .... the kids will have nothing to do
Sorry. Meant. YOUNG enough.
Yes rare common sense but I fear the genie cannot now be put back in the bottle. Those who brought the search engine into being (Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al) made a marvellous invention. In its wake came those who created the social media monster. (Zuckerberg et al). The upside of the digital information explosion is that it has been such a boon for those with intellectual curiosity. The downside is the power it has given to the Pied Piper of narcissism, neuroticism and vacuity.
"Plato worried that the written word would mulch minds into mush." -- but he was right! We are supposed to piece together and rely upon our own understanding. Writing offers an easier substitute -- one can devour books and learn to sound like they are smart and educated and what not... like they understand.
That's why Socrates never bothered to write down anything, and neither did Jesus, nor Buddha. This is no joke.
I stopped calling it a phone. How many users use the Phone Function?