The best thing about the internet is that I don’t have to know anything anymore.
There was a time, up until about fifteen years ago where I really needed to know stuff in order to get along in the world. During social engagements I’d rattle off facts and stats about a topic that I knew something about. Appearing smart by knowing information was important. If I didn’t know as much about a subject as I wanted to, in the moment I just might make up some shit about it. I’m not proud of this but it happened.
Once Wikipedia came to prominence I realized nearly everything I had stashed in my memory was inaccurate. Hell, I just learned that I’ve been screwing up longitude and latitude my whole life. Ultimately I gave up committing anything rote to memory. There’s no need to when I have direct access to any information I need right in my pocket. I’d rather look it up than scan the annals of my mind, anyway. Maybe I’m lazy. Or just maybe I’ve stumbled across something brilliant.
Nah, it’s not brilliant. But it’s a good idea, I think.
I believe that I only have so much room in my head. If there’s figures and facts and data swirling around in there it’s not going to leave much space for creativity. See, I believe we have a finite amount of brain power. Now that I’ve abandoned the idea of needing to save data in the short or long term memory slots, that space is now available for other things.
As far as I can tell most of my thoughts are either about fact recall or problem solving or creating new stuff. I’m on a warpath to get rid of fact recall.
I’ve been reading a lot about mindfulness meditation. Basically it’s learning how to get quiet and tune into the mind and body while moving around your day. And with technology I can do this without worry. For example I have no idea what my schedule consists of tomorrow. My calendar is synced up on my phone and computer and will tell me in the morning. If I need to prepare for a meeting I have a thing that pops up to remind me.
This leaves me with all sorts of additional time to devote to creating blog posts or thinking about future projects in my business.
Not that this post is any indication of my creative genius. It sucks. I’m not happy with it. In my mind this whole idea was going to make for a great read. It sort of didn’t. I can own it.
But now I’ll rack my brain to come up with something better tomorrow. And I’ll have the free space to do it!
Katy says:
It is just going to get better, too. I mean, have you seen those google glasses things? We’re not going to have to have to know anything. Someone will ask you, “Are y going to vote?” & you will be able to reply “Today is the… gubernatorial election, and I am voting for… candidate A,” without missing a beat. All those years I spent in school? What a waste…
D.J. Paris says:
Yeah – school blows.
Also, thanks for reading the most dogshit article I’ve probably ever written! I swear I put like two hours into that turkey. I appreciate you getting through it!
Adminderella says:
I realized recently that some days I am not wholly sure what day it is (Wednesday? Thursday? Wait…is it before or after midnight?) but I just do whatever my calendar tells me to do. Like today it told me I was scheduled to attend a webinar at 4PM (and hey! there was actually a webinar happening then that I had signed up for…so, all hail my calendar!)
I agree with you about fact recall needing to go. I need that space in my brain for other things. Like blog posts and remembering to feed my chinchilla (she gets a little cranky when I don’t feed her). Wait, is remembering to feed my chinchilla fact recall? I’m going to go with “anything I can look up on the internet” is fact recall and the rest is stuff that I actually need my brain space for, sound like a plan?
D.J. Paris says:
Isn’t a chinchilla one of those dust creatures? My sister had a hedgehog and I think they’re kind of the same. Good example of something I should look up online. Ha!
AlwaysARedhead says:
The only problem with relying on technology for everything, is technology breaks down and no one knows how to do things with paper and pen. So that little tidbit of information you put into the very back of your brain, may be the most important thing for you to function.
D.J. Paris says:
I just assume nothing will ever break down. That’s reasonable, right?
Nate says:
It’s funny that you say that you don’t have to know anything anymore. Heck, you don’t have to know everything. I don’t mean that in a literal sense but it’s true. Whatever it is that you’re trying to research or learn about, you can pull it up on the web. I remember months ago, I would do research on how to replace a pipe under my sink. There are literally tons of videos on how to do this. By doing so, I did it myself and didn’t have to hire a plumber!
D.J. Paris says:
Nice! And sorry you had to read this shit post. Usually I’m better. I swear. 🙂
Barbara says:
Yes, we have a saying in our house for when someone makes up an answer. “Oops, time for a “fact check” LOL The internet is always available so it’s not worth it to make something up.
If one doesn’t know the answer to a question, customers will always respect you if you just say, “I’ll get back to you about that.” And then when you do get back to them, they feel honored that you even considered their inquiry important enough to research.
D.J. Paris says:
I like that – I’m going to start saying “fact check” to people at parties. That will make for much hilarity.
Sophie Bowns says:
Ahh don’t worry- things will get better! 🙂
D.J. Paris says:
True! I’m a better writer than what’s above. Bad writing happens. 🙂
Daisy says:
I love your blog and writing style, will definitely be bookmarking you!
D.J. Paris says:
Thanks, Daisy! I appreciate it!
Alana (@RamblinGarden) says:
What would I do without the internet? Well, I might have to visit a library every once in a while, Or, I might have to buy a set of encyclopedias. Remember those? All those nights as a kid, reading the World Book Encyclopedia for pleasure and it was all for naught? Tell me it ain’t so Joe….I mean, Paris!
D.J. Paris says:
Libraries have too many stinky people. Truth.
AlwaysARedhead says:
Do you not remember the Northeast blackout of 2003 or did it not affect you? I remember and it was bad no power for days.
D.J. Paris says:
I’m in Chicago – we’re pretty well set up with power. 🙂 I’ve already walked a mile today, though, and it’s 12 degrees. In a suit and with a dog strapped to my back.
Chris A Ferguson says:
Quit slamming the post! It’s a good post! It made people think, engage and discuss. I LOVE the post! I would MARRY the post (but I’m already married). You post is going to cause me to read about the mindfulness meditation thing so I learn how to do it to. Great post!