#656 take 2

We have the ability to re-do so much in our world.  Everyone uses the "undo" button on the computer.  People take advantage of the "replay this game" feature on computer games.  We have the ability to move items out of the trash.  Students are often able to repeat courses or redo assignments to improve their grades.  We can reverse DVDs and record things again, or delete pictures in favor of a better pose.  So much is fleeting instead of permanent.

I think the pervasiveness of flexibility causes us to become more careless and less concerned about doing it right the first time.  I can sit at a computer and ramble, because I have the confidence that I can cut and paste and move things around.  When things were done in long-hand, this was a luxury that did not exist.  When things were typeset and printed on presses, I suspect more care was given to the document than is now when you can hit "print" and fix something in a second if you don't like the alignment.  If you truly were saying "I do" for life, you may think harder than if you approach marriage as something you'll try out.

As consumer goods become more disposable and permanence more fleeting, I think we are losing a spirit that comes with putting down roots and saying forever.  Instead of undoing things, think for an extra moment about doing them as you want them in the first round.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
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