Book Review: Hamlet’s Blackberry –
A Practical Philosophy For Building A Good Life In The Digital Age
In this thoughtful and well-researched book, William Powers
argues that online technologies and mobile devices have improved our lives
immeasurably, but they have also come at a price. He points out that with our
always-on connectivity, we have become disconnected from family, friends and
neighbours, and lost touch with ourselves.
He writes: “The question now is how truly individual – as in
bold, original, unique – you can be if you never step back from the crowd. When
we think and write from within our busyness, surrounded by countless other
voices, too often the result is reactive, derivative, short-shelf-life stuff.”
Powers examines great thinkers of the past who managed to
avoid the distractions of their age in order to produce their best work. He
suggests that by following their leads, we can restore some balance in our
lives so that the technologies can enhance, rather than enslave, us.
The last couple of chapters of Hamlet’s BlackBerry are somewhat repetitive in their arguments, but
Powers’ central message – learning to unplug can be healthy for your body, mind
and spirit – is a powerful one that needs to be heard. Indeed, we can all
benefit from occasionally walking away from our screens.
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