Jul 02
Paul Graham is one of my favorite essayists. He is incredibly smart, but all his essays are written in a totally straightforward style. My latest favorite is about how society is always scheming to help us procrastinate by giving us distractions, and that while we might feel bad spending 2 hours watching soap operas in front of the TV, somehow we don’t feel quite so bad wasting that same time browsing around on the Internet.
I’ve been guilty of this, and it’s something I’m actively working to change.
July 6th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
So I suppose I’m procrastinating just reading your column. Therefore, I won’t be back for a while, because I now know that if I do, I’m probably procrastinating. And yes, there is work I’ve got to do on my computer tonight that does not involve the web. And yes, it is getting late. And yes, I’d rather be reading your column than doing my work.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Haha, well, maybe procrastinating that involves reading about how procrastinating has evolved isn’t really procrastinating…hmm, I think I just made my brain hurt.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:22 am
So, having found a myriad of ways to procrastinate on the computer between July 6 and today, August 25, I’m finding my way back to you again, just in time to read your illuminating and uplifting blog about being great, a la Bono. Much appreciated, as I am about to jump off the cliff to face the test of an uncharted new venture. Thank you for another inspiring entry!
September 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I LOVE that video of Bono. Bono for President! (Joking — though I’m a huge fan.)
Recently I came through one of those grueling work periods where you’re climbing an uphill mountain of work and the thought of “maybe I should just throw in the towel and quit” is inescapable. But you know what? Several months later, and after a long break, I am being rewarded for that work, and have at least learned how NOT to do it and am in the process of formulating how TO do it.
I often think those horrible work periods force us to rethink our approach, which in itself is a very valuable lesson.