Convenience

Modern progress is characterized by a movement toward convenience.

Using a telephone is more convenient than sending a telegraph. In some ways, streaming content can be more convenient than watching DVD’s.

When dishes and laundry had to be hand-washed, this activity took much more time than when dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers could be used.

When clothes had to be created and mended by hand, people had less time to do other stuff.

This begs the following question. What are we doing with all of the extra time generated by our modern-day conveniences?

Are we spending this time wisely?

Unfortunately, a blind rush to make everything more convenient doesn’t happen without some drawbacks. There are trade-offs that we don’t always consider.

When people had to hunt and gather to get enough food to eat, they got more exercise than when they came to rely on agriculture.

Now, we have to go out of our way to get enough exercise, by joining gyms and whatnot.

We live in a “throw-away” culture. Instead of fixing broken items, — Who has time for that? — we toss them out and buy something new.

Somehow, I’m not convinced that we’re using all of this extra time wisely.

When I was a kid, I had time to lie on the grass and watch cloud formations morph into new shapes. I had time to think. My dad took me outside to learn some of the constellations in the night sky.

Now, I spend most of my time working, taking care of my family, and ignoring most cloud formations. I peek at the night sky more often than getting lost in its beauty.

Sure, there’s a difference between being a kid and an adult. But something else is going on. We tend to prioritize busyness over significance.

I remember good conversations happening while people cooked a family meal. I remember spending quality time with family members while food was being prepared.

The same cannot be said for making a quick trip to Taco Bell all alone.

I can imagine a future when robots make all of our food, do all of our shopping, and make our lives so much easier. I can imagine everything being sooooo convenient.

What are we going to do then?