We live in a world of frightful givens. It is given that you will behave like this, given that you will care about that. No one thinks about the givens. Isn't it amazing? In the information society, nobody thinks. We expected to banish paper, but we actually banished thought.
In a world filled with predetermined expectations, people often conform to societal norms without questioning them. The author reflects on how these ‘givens’ dictate behavior and values, yet they remain largely unexamined by the populace. This automatic adherence creates a lack of critical thought, leading to a collective acceptance of circumstances that may not serve individual or common good.
The commentary highlights a concerning trend in the information age, where the focus has shifted from deep contemplation to superficial engagement. While technology aimed to simplify our lives, it seems to have diminished our capacity for meaningful thought. In essence, the expectation is for people to remain passive consumers of information rather than active thinkers and questioners of their reality.
