This is a pretty interesting concept. I guess at the end of the day, the same enlightening ideas can be found on a smart phone that can be found in a book. So naturally this applies also to mindless entertainment.

I think what attracts older generations and perhaps people in general to books is the simplicity of it. Book consumption tends to be associated with solitude in a silent room and fireplace whereas with screen consumption we think loud music and chaotic teenagers gathered around a monitor.

I think it’s arrogant for older generations to concieve the idea that technology is “dumbing us down”. We literally have the world at our fingertips. Kids today undoubtedly have more world knowledge than their parents ever did. Can the case be made that we have become too easily influenced by the media and struggle to form our own conclusions and ideas? Yes. But to say we have become dumber is dumb in itself.

I think the most valuable skill for younger generations of today to learn is the art of doing nothing. Let’s spend some time away from Netflix, books, video games, writing, and all other consumption to simply sit and think. Some of my best thoughts have occured with my eyes off a screen and pen off paper. In a world where we have become almost overly connected, we have lost touch with ourselves.

Just like a friend, the best way to get to know yourself is to spend time with yourself. Only yourself with no outside influences. That’s when we become in touch with the human spirit and phenomena beyond.