Hey everyone!
Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here’s your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. A quick breakdown of what I’ve been exploring that will either make you think, laugh, cry (or a nasty combination of the three).
Welcome to the four new subscribers receiving this for the first time (272 total). I respect your inbox and don’t take your attention lightly.
Essay I wrote last week
Has our obsession with novelty gone too far?
Basically all the media you and I consume was created in the past few hours.
Not to say that’s entirely a bad thing.
There’s tons of amazing new content being uploaded every second, thanks to the Internet.
But at what point does novelty lose it’s usefulness?
I’ll admit — I don’t know.
But I think it’s crazy that we neglect the ancient wisdom that’s just as readily available as the latest TikTok trend:
Electronic fast
I decided to do an experiment on Saturday. I had no idea how helpful it would turn out to be. Maybe it could do the same for you?
It all started with a question — could I go 24 hours without using any electronics? No phone, no computer, no TV, no nothing.
I racked my brain to remember a 24 hour period where I didn’t use a single electronic. Not surprisingly, I came up with nothing.
So I turned my phone off first thing that morning and felt a sense of panic and peace at the same time. “What the hell am I going to do?”
Without access to the infinite content merry-go-round, I explored a beautiful state park. I discovered a Mexican food truck off the beaten trail. I knocked on my neighbors turned best friends door to see what they were up to. Had conversations with strangers. And noticed ideas pouring out of my fingers while journaling.
It felt like my mind turned on as soon as my phone turned off.
But in the end, I failed. I used GPS to find the park.
Still, it was one of the more memorable days I’ve had in ages.
Have you ever considered trying an electronic fast? It seems to be an antidote to the anxiety and stress caused by our constant connectivity.
I’d highly recommend.
Olllllllld school music I listened to
Last week I was listening to an “old” school jam from the 1980’s. This week I decided to go further back in time.
I listened to some classic jams. And this time I meant it. Actual classical music.
My grandpa always tried to convince me that classical music was the best. But I just couldn’t get behind it. That was foolish.
I listened to Mozart and Bach in the background while reading or doing chores. And then I got it.
Classical music seems to stir up something deep within our souls.
It’s not for everybody, but it should be.
245M views on this jam proves that I’m not alone:
The joy of discovering a “new” author
I finished reading Neil Postman’s 1985 book “Amusing Ourselves to Death”.
And as soon as I put it down, I was thirsty for more.
To my delight, I discovered that he had written 16 other books.
I’ve read plenty of solid books that I’m glad I read. But every so often, I read something by an author that makes me want to devour all of their writing. I think that’s the sign that you’ve found someone who is speaking directly to you.
So I’ve picked up his 1993 book, “Technopoly”. The jury is still out on how good this one will be. But I have a feeling it’s going to be another banger. To be determined…
Random thought
I never understood how someone could disagree with an author. Who am I to object to what they’ve written? They’re obviously so much smarter than me!
Now, after eight years of compulsive reading, I finally feel like I’ve earned the right to have a conversation with the author (pen in hand) in the margins of the book as I read it. Sometimes I vehemently disagree with them. Other times I emphatically agree.
The ultimate compliment to a writer is when their ideas inspire you and I to have a spirited discussion with them as we chew on their ideas.
That’s it for the 36th edition of Arman’s Antics. Thank you for joining me today. Now back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling.
Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!
Cheers,
Arman
Likes and comments below.
We used to do an electronic fast every Sunday as a family., which was wonderful, and also challenging. It's been a few years since our last one and I appreciate the reminder about this possibility.
Noice, I'm glad you got to enjoy the outside world, Arman! I don't do electronic fasts, but I can easily disengage if I want to and don't feel any pressure or stress. Classical music is where it all started (or rather cavemen banging on rocks). Bach is my classical babe of choice.