LittleBigMan

I vaguely remember hearing somewhere an interesting concept.
It went something like this:

The more we have introduced time-saving devices, the less time we actually seem to have.

I don't know if the two parts of this idea are related, but on a similar note, the following observation would withstand the utmost scrutiny:

The advent of computerized offices was predicted to reduce the need for paper, thus causing it's diminished use. The opposite has taken effect: due to the computer's increased capacity for paper output, we generate (and waste) more paper than ever before.

(I know. I watch as daily reports are generated. Box after box after box...)



If you ever want to thank McDonald's for using recycled paper in their sacks (do they?), don't: thank me. I create all that waste paper they recycle!

Dirtgrinder

Absolutely! I now have to check voice-mail at work, voice-mail on my cell phone, email at work and private email, answer pages, and call in or dial-up a work computer to close calls. Seems like I spend more time communicating than actually doing my job anymore! Now we have two-way pagers which also send pages so you can talk without actually talking to anyone. I think I liked the old way better.

Chris L

Yeah, it bugs me too. It's the same at university. You would think all this computerised business would reduce the need for paper, but instead you're expected to produce more of it now. I remember putting in a 2,000 word assignment last year with an appendix that was over 40 pages long! Ridiculous.

Chris

Paige

I have been "lurking for about 2 weeks, this is my first post.
Pete check this guy out Wolfgang Sachs
This guy is known for the quote"To attack the pedals may be strenuous over the short run, but it is an expression of trust in one’s own powers, for with the bicycle everything depends on the self. Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond the existence as mere clients and consumers – those people ride a bike."

LittleBigMan

Thanks, Paige!

JonR

That looks very good. Thank you!

John E

First, thanks for the inspiring quote, Paige. Many of us agree.


Second, in my teaching (UCSD extension) I struck a blow for paperlessness by encouraging students to turn in homework, take-home final exams, and term projects via email or my course website's student drop box. Despite this, some students still were more comfortable handing me a physical piece of paper (which was probably more likely to get lost in the shuffle).

technogirl

Hi, Paige! I like that quote, btw! Anything that makes my brain hurt (makes me think), has got to be good!

technogirl

Ah, but aren't those Nextel phones, cool? Okay, you've got to admit to doing this with people on those two way phones...
"roger, Roger. This is Under, over."..."What's your vector, Victor?"..." I used to do that when I had that phone. Sigh...yes, I know, I'm just WAY TOO easily entertained!

Dirtgrinder

Speaking of entertainment, there's even a battle ship game you can play with any other pager!

JonR

Watch out--it's only a couple more steps from there to back-engineering key programs, disrupting the entire Internet with a w*rm, and then getting hired for big $$$ as a consultant, by some software firm!

fubar5

Heck, the foundation of the military is paper.When I print out stuff I don't get JUST what I wanted,I also get a nice piece of paper that says,"END" on it. a completely usless piece of paper at that point, except for the other side, but we can't do that,because all our "documents" are...gasp...."OFFICIAL".

Allister

I remember reading that same thing. I'm not certain but it may have been in John Ralston Saul's 'Voltaire's Bastards'.

A similar concept was presented in Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden', where he claimed that he could walk a given distance in less time than it took by coach. I make the same claim now regarding biking over driving a car.