Steve Jobs once said that the computer is going to be like a bicycle for the mind, Joseph Campbell called the inside of a PC a hierarchy of angels.
This is an insight into the meaning of tools and technology in our lives from an Indian teacher. He says machines are Yantras, deities that enhance what we already are, we are an enhanced beings:
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So what is the problem with technology? People often complain and the media propagates this spiritless image of humans mindlessly staring down into phones and devices. We are bored already after a playlist or two, and surely fatigued with pictures of french fries stacked against stadiums..
But can you imagine Steve Jobs (rip) or Elon Musk scratching themselves on the back of their heads with their phones, bored out of their minds? That is what it means to be a creator, to use technology to be in control. You are only in the driver’s seat when you create, when you generate output. It is a one-way street, it is a drainpipe with one-way flow – you are either on the intake or you produce.
I had the privilege of teaching very little and very bright kids recently, and when kids are super bright there’s no hiding, all is reduced to a string of truths. I tell them that no matter what software they learn or what sort of science they master – they need to be aware of the fact that the only true power in the world is the power to create. When you are a creator – you are in control.
When you are mere consumer you are at the mercy of what has been generated for you. When you are the creator, whether you create objects of the mind or make cakes – you are in charge of the content and the process. You can use your faculties to get better at either. Software is just a tool, the computer is just a tool, once you have learned how to use couple of different software products – you get clarity on the principle and you can quickly grasp any other.
To be a creator requires a lot of mental and physical energy, it is a lifestyle and it can’t be done just a little bit. I remember Lessig’s AMA on Reddit where he said he wanted to be a part-time president… Can you imagine being 50 percent in control 50 percent of the time of the most powerful nation? How about being 50 percent in control 50 percent of the time of the most powerful intelligence on earth?
Recently had to put together a little awning for the top floor of my house, the old one was reduced to rags by strong winds, and had to find something quickly as guests were coming to stay in a few days. I have a great Brother machine back in the States and have only used it to make some canvas pieces and wearables for my installations. Sewing is otherwise boring and repetitive and I can’t stay with it for longer than the quick completion of a project.
At the house there is this absolutely incredible piece of German engineering – my grandma’s 1904 Singer sewing machine. Naturally, the machine manual was online and someone had already figured out how to thread it on youtube. I found a large piece of fabric and also some lost stretches of ethernet cable laying around.. It took 10 minutes of youtubing and 50 minutes of trial and error and these magical devices came together on my green drawing table to help me make a little wobbly but otherwise perfectly reasonable awning.
Yeah, it was a lot more fun than shopping, it was probably more time consuming as it took me awhile to put together the awning with lots of bobbin winding and battles with seas of fabric late at night. I affirmed the usefulness of a forgotten tool which later served me for more projects around the house, I saved tons of cash, I learned german engineers from 110 years ago knew more about ergonomics than I would have thought. This incredible piece of technology that is grandma’s Singer worked out of the box without a hitch.. knowing that no one had probably touched it in 20 years. High five to the creator who perfected it!
Oops! And how can I possibly forget about zip ties, such a simple thing but imagine trying to tie down my awning with rope?! It will take several experienced sailors! The short version, for those who are just browsing to kill some time at work and don’t really care is this: someone realized that it would be useful, and they invented it.
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