The Art of Manliness #215: Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction
5 snips
Jul 6, 2016 
Matthew Crawford, author of works like Shop Class as Soulcraft, delves into the roots of our distraction culture, connecting it to the Enlightenment era. He highlights the tension between modern individualism and the fragmentation of attention caused by technology. Crawford argues that increased choices don't lead to freedom but rather to superficiality. He also stresses the importance of skilled manual work in cultivating personal agency and resilience, contrasting it with today's passive children's media, which stifles individuality.
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Enlightenment and Attention
- The problem of attention runs deeper than just technology.
- It originates from the Enlightenment and the idea of unlimited choice.
Representations vs. Reality
- Enlightenment thinking suggested we experience the world through internal representations, not directly.
- This has led to a sense of distancelessness and difficulty in prioritizing our attention.
Gym Music
- Matthew Crawford asked a gym employee to play his own music instead of the bland Muzak.
- The employee refused, stating he didn't want to impose his choice on others.
