Ah! Books on books on books. I am totally in love with this literarily littered display at Club Monaco. Just think, in a few years from now these piles of human plight will be as antiquated as the typewriter and even now this entire display would fit onto one tablet, or more realistically 1/4 of one! Having been born in ’86, I am part of the last generation to remember what life was like before computers and cell phones, e-readers and smart tv’s took over. I have memories of a childhood “status update,” self important and “like” free (even though I loved every moment of it); and life was not easily put into 140 characters or less! My photos were for me and not an instant profile picture update, because there was no instant, just one hour. And I may be a hypocrite having just tweeted and pinned while I sit here Golden Age thinking, but such is life.
I just feel lucky having been able to experience a large portion of mine organically. Because of the importance of an online presence (and a “super cool” one at that) kids, and really all people today, don’t even realize that the good times they have very much do exist without the validation that comes from tweeting and status updating. I assure you that girls night out was just as sloppy, hanging out with your honey- still as homey, and Riesling- just as sweet without documenting every moment of it to followers and friends. And because of the amount of time we spend formulating the perfect tweet and witty updates, it becomes nearly impossible to process your own life in terms not for public broadcast! With all of this intention going on, how is anyone ever really in the moment (let alone enjoying it) if they are constantly thinking about how best to write it?
I must caution by saying the rampant use of the internet today isn’t all bad. We are finding new ways to express ourselves, showcase our emotions, point out preferences and parade individual predilections. We are gregarious by nature and the internet has opened up unparalleled channels to share with others ourselves. And we love it! Eat it right up, one new social network after the next. The unprecedented exposure the internet gives us serves the widespread need we all have to feel worthy, valued and validated in this life. Who doesn’t want to be liked, share their story and comment their opinion? What cause doesn’t need following? And great new find pinned? I mean the language of these social sites is not happenstance…
And neither is the presence of this blog… Just like the rest of the online world I parade my self importance, seek validation for my cognition, try to get my plight followed and friends to like my shares! After all, if a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears, did it make a sound?
Without the online validation from our peers that we so crave, did we ever really exist?
Club Monaco, 160 Fifth Ave, 212.352.0936
