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Kent Schoberle's avatar

Great article! I came across this quote recently: "Technology is our hope if we can accept it as our enemy, but as our friend, it will destroy us" (Stephen Talbott, "The Deceiving Virtues of Technology"). To make matters worse, I've transitioned to a fully remote based job with an emphasis on marketing, so I've got to have my fingers on the pulse of things I don't much care about. Six to eight hours daily on the computer Monday through Friday, not including the mini screen in my pocket which has basically become a bodily organ. The saving grace here is perhaps the fact that I work for a company which promotes regenerative agriculture through action and community, so the substance of content is something I very much care about. However, I'm continuing to work towards a reality where my family can live a homesteading lifestyle, embracing the idea of "people, place, and prayer", but I am feeling nervous about the need to keep working on this career trajectory to support it financially. I hope one day I can pay the mortgage through other means. Or at least scale back my computer work to part time.

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Alissa Bonnell's avatar

Thank you for writing something thoughtful that is worthy of my attention.

I think there is a difference between a tool and a device. A tool enhances human ability while a device replaces humans. I could peel an apple with my fingernails. Or I could use the tool of an apple peeler. The plough is a tool whereas a combine is a device (eliminates the work of many farmer and makes it possible for just one person to harvest thousands of acres of corn or soy).

I don’t have WiFi at home. We get dvds from the library and watch those for evening entertainment. I go to the library to use the internet. Every now and again we’ll go rent a cabin in some place with no electricity or WiFi. And you know I realize when we do that? The days are sooo long! I draw the line at AI. It’s disheartening that most people just walk right on past that line without any thought. I’m also enrolled in an herbalism apprenticeship when we’re at our herbal elders house, we’re not allowed to interact with our phones for any purpose (not even photos). They are to remain in our cars.

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