The Extinction of Experience w/ Christine Rosen

25 snips

Mar 4, 2025

Christine Rosen, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "The Extinction of Experience," delves into how technology disconnects us from real experiences. She discusses the paradox of photographing moments yet missing them, and the rise of tech addiction affecting our relationships. Rosen emphasizes the importance of handwriting for cognitive and emotional growth, and argues for reclaiming genuine human connections amid a digital world. She also highlights spiritual practices as essential in countering modern distractions.

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ANECDOTE

The Vacation Poem

Wendell Berry's poem "The Vacation" describes a man filming his experience.
He becomes so preoccupied with recording that he misses truly living it.

INSIGHT

Smartphones as Slot Machines

Mediating technology enthralls users but reduces "look up" experiences.
Smartphones are like slot machines, personalized to hook users.

INSIGHT

A Profound Shift

The shift to smartphones is more profound than previous technological shifts.
This is due to their intimate nature, constant presence, and rapid adoption.

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The year of our Lord 1943

Alan Jacobs

My fundamentalist education

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Preaching Eugenics

Christine Rosen

Leisure the basis of culture

Josef Pieper

Josef Pieper's "Leisure: The Basis of Culture" is a profound exploration of the nature of leisure and its importance for human flourishing. Pieper argues that leisure, understood as a state of freedom from necessity, is essential for contemplation and the development of culture. He contrasts leisure with mere idleness or entertainment, emphasizing its role in fostering creativity, intellectual growth, and spiritual development. "Leisure" has had a significant impact on philosophical and theological thought. Pieper's work challenges readers to reconsider the value of contemplation and the importance of creating a society that fosters leisure. The book is a classic of philosophical and theological reflection.

Shop class as soulcraft

an inquiry into the value of work

Matthew Crawford

Matthew B. Crawford

In 'Shop Class as Soulcraft,' Matthew B. Crawford argues that the manual trades offer a unique form of intellectual and personal satisfaction. He critiques modern society's emphasis on 'knowledge work' and the devaluation of manual labor, highlighting the cognitive demands and personal fulfillment that come from working with one's hands. Crawford draws on his own experiences as a motorcycle mechanic and philosopher to illustrate the importance of craftsmanship, self-reliance, and the integration of thinking and doing in meaningful work. The book challenges consumerist culture and advocates for a more humane economy that values and rewards meaningful labor[1][3][4].

The Extinction of Experience

Christine Rosen

Essays

None

Michel de Montaigne

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning. Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration. The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death. Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality[2][5][4].