Another "information age" entry

I have often thought how I don't feel like I belong in this time. I wish I had been born in the 1920s or before. I would have done well there. I am glad however that I was here to witness the information age. It amazes me every day how we can now find any information in seconds on the internet. 20 years ago (or even less) if someone wanted or needed to know something, most would probably ask someone. Maybe go to a library. I have to assume the majority of people would simply give up and never find out the information. We can now just grab a wireless phone, laptop, or sit down at a computer and find anything in seconds. I cannot believe we live in such times. I also cannot believe there is still a relatively high percentage of people (even in the U.S.) who don't see what a benefit this can be.

I am sitting here with two computers that I don't even use because they are too slow. I could give to one of these people who don't have the ability to use the amazing tool called the internet. I work with a man who is about 10 years older than me. He is a very thoughtful individual. He likes being able to find information at will and uses the internet for entertainment when he has a break at work. I have offered to give him a computer so he can access the internet at home. He refuses. He knows what a wonderful tool it can be but is still refuses. I don't know if he's afraid of change, or thinks he will spend too much time on the internet. It confuses me. Anyone under the age of about 50-60 will not be able to make it through the rest of their life without the help of the internet in one for or another. It may be a very small device like a "smart phone" or "net book" but one way or another we are all going to have "on-line lives" whether we want it or not.

I have embraced this reality and have tried to find out about the hardware and software that makes this all possible. I hope I never deny reality. I'm sure I do in a lot of different ways. People probably look at me and think the same types of things as I think about my friend at work. Maybe people think I am denying myself some of the best life has to offer by not having a family of my own or limiting myself in other ways.

I still remember the best thing I ever learned in school. I don't remember much about school, but I do remember one thing an English teacher said to me many times. "Be honest with yourself" is what she said. At first I didn't understand, but it didn't take long before I did understand what she meant. Most people (including me) are not honest with themselves. They may be the most honest people with everyone else, but not themselves. That's the most important lesson I learned in school. Everything else falls into place if you will do that one thing.

I'm not sure what that had to do with the information age but it seemed to fit at the time. That's my thought of the day.