In his new book about the competing forces we all face for our time, Hamlet’s Blackberry, author William Powers writes ” … we are losing something of great value, a way of thinking and moving through time that can be summed up in a single word: depth.
Depth of thought and feeling, depth in our relationships, our work and everything else we do. Since depth is what makes life fulfilling and meaningful, it’s astounding that we’re allowing this to happen.”
He goes on to argue that our fascination with the speed and intoxication of digital communication, what he calls “digital maximalism,” has lured us away from opportunities
for reflection, patience and those times when we simply think and contemplate. Contemplation about one’s place in life — self-efficacy — is the place where the development of wisdom begins.
Those who came of age prior to this digital age learned the value of contemplation, if for not other reason than times of boredom. When you’re doing something mind-numbing and there’s no way to communicate with others, for instance, your mind tends to reflect on your surroundings, relationships, challenges, situation. From these times come self realization and a sense of maturity.
For those who are coming of age immersed in non-stop stimulation however, these times of reflection are not something to be experienced. Even in repetitive jobs, they wear a “personal entertainment system” designed to keep their minds occupied with outside influences at all times. Given the opportunity, most will maintain a constant connection with their 100 closest friends every waking moment.
Who needs to think and contemplate when there is so much entertaining stimulation? Besides, thinking is hard sometimes and who wants to do that? Is it any wonder then, that when we ask these young people to analyze or interpret a situation, or even their surroundings, we are more than likely to get a blank stare.
I am not indicting an entire generation of young people. There are certainly many who have learned the value of taking time to reflect and contemplate. But even they find it difficult to escape from the “digital maximalism” to which Williams refers. How do we deal with this phenomenon when we all feel consumed by the need to remained connected 24/7/365? At what point will a generation’s wisdom develop if they don’t take time to let it happen?