Future Archaeologists
It has often been said that future archaeologists will learn all they need to know about our culture by digging through our dumps. It is true; we discard everything that was important enough at one time to buy and possess. Considering all we buy and how little of it is still with us the following year would be astounding to most people. If we could weigh all our stuff coming in and going out we would find just how little we actually keep.
Also think of all the money we spend on time. These are things cable TV, cell phone and internet service. When we use these things we have very little to show for it in the end, but we can’t seem to live without it.
Some of this will be misleading to the future archaeologists, especially if there is ever a science of digital archaeology where one researches old data to get a feel for our present culture. Imagine if they ever encountered a present day spam filter. They would assume that there was a big market for fake watches, college diplomas, mail order medications and penis enlargement. They would also assume that the rich were trying to give away all of their money and wonder why so many of these philanthropists came from Nigeria.
posted by The Guy Who Writes This at 4:00 AM
5 Comments:
I love it when you accidentally post something you intended to save for later. Google reader gives me the preview and makes me feel like I'm in on a secret. I know, I need to get a life.
It was intended for another site, one of which you would not approve of.
???? Now you've piqued me. The secret life of Guy? Hmmm...
Just taking a quick look around at the stuff here in my little corner and realizing how completely intangible and disposable most of it really is. What would future archaeologists find if they dug here? Not really all that much. Some old plastic doodads that aren't biodegradable, some small hand tools. And one major buttload of deck screws. I use those for everything. "This person liked dragons, handcuffs and deck screws. One very very strange person. No wonder their society self destructed!"
When we use these things we have very little to show for it in the end
Man, I dunno..I need a bigger crib because of all the dvds and cds, both new and old classics, I've downloaded and scorched onto those little shiny plastic discs
Darev, again at the heart of destruction.
Anon, you can turn them into lamps.
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