Could you live without your computer?

ClosetAspy · Deinonychus Joined: Jan 17, 2008 Age: 52 Posts: 368

I think in some ways it would be difficult, because it has expanded my world so much, but I grew up BC (before computer) and therefore I could probably get along without it ok. I'm not a big technology geek, it has its uses, but in many ways I am old-fashioned, almost Neo-Luddite or even Amish. I like things simple.

What I like about the Amish approach to technology is the spirit behind it. Instead of letting themselves be blindly controlled by every new development that comes along, they carefully consider what effect it might have on themselves and their community and only then do they chose whether to embrace it or not. Granted they are a bit extreme, but as an ASD individual I can appreciate that. So much seems to be out of control in everyday life, that in order to keep my sanity I have to make compromises and pick and choose like the Amish. For example, I have computer and Internet but no TV. What might not make sense to someone else makes sense to me. Also, I don't have a lot of money to spend on the latest thing, so I have to decide is this something I am going to use or is it just going to sit around because I find after I have got it that it is too much hassle to use. I don't have a cell phone for that reason. I had one once and I found that it really was not worth it in terms of how much use.

Besides, there is a reason I don't want to be available 24/7. I think the Amish would agree with me that this so-called convenience is really a form of slavery. Think about it. Once upon a time, time away from work was respected; now, with cell phones and laptops everywhere, the only thing vacation means is that you are in a different physical location when you do your work. Is this really what we want? Because this is what we have achieved. So, I find that I must be increasingly vigilant to guard what little remains of my precious time/space, and that means saying no to certain forms of technology. Yes, I could take advantage of my company's offer to put their software on my laptop, instead of buying the program(s) myself. Sure, it would save money. But I don't want their programs because they come with a price. As Ayn Rand said in Atlas Shrugged, why should I voluntarily cooperate in enslaving myself?