Religious heretics
were burned at the stake or beheaded. (Hello, Sir Thomas More!)
For some, as
martyrs to most noble causes. Belief. Besides for those faithful, the adorned
heavens await in the afterlife.
Here, in what is
quaintly called cyberspace, a solid two thumbs’ up for “World Without Mind”
merits nothing of the kind. Just deafening silence. Because the tech powers
that be will do everything in their power to direct traffic away from these
remarks.
(Kind of gives “going
viral” a whole new definition. As in, don’t read, or you’ll get sick, if not
poisoned.)
But do your mind a
favor and read the book. Foer, in the parlance of the day, unpacks the internet
and its pernicious effect on originality and pre-internet creativity.
Remember books
that sold at prices that could sustain all kinds of writers, not just the schlocky
and familiar, but those who are willing (and able, yes!) to take a chance with something
truly new? I’m thinking, say, Thomas Mann or, uh, Herman Melville.
Oh, and remember
the old Apple slogan, “Think Different.” Ha! There’s a cruel joke for you. Don’t
take my word for it, Google yourself the origins of that ad campaign. On your “smartphone.”
Or ask the hive mind.
For heaven’s sake,
don’t think on your own. Cause that unthinkable unthinking place is where we’re
heading as described in the global warning that is a World Without Mind, a book
of courageously conveyed conviction that stands as much chance of turning up as
a recommended purchase on Amazon as Sir Thomas More currying favor with the
Devil in Hades.
Next: Running for Your Life: Enter “The Gateway” Part Two
