When I see ads such as this
and ads about making thousands of dollars a month, or other supposedly easy, quick ways to lose weight or make money or accelerated learning, it does make me stop and think. I don't watch television, but I can only imagine all the ads on TV that are enticing to many people. I get enough of them sent to me from well wishers in emails.
It seems to me that the faster the results, the more impatient people become. Fast Lane. Fast food. Instant gratification. Terms I hear but pay little attention to, reasoning that they don't apply to my life right now. Believing that a brisker manner would mean quicker service, thus more "time" for the individual, is a big con. Like the ads.
15 comments:
While there are many occasions I look for a quicker, more efficient way to do things, I figure out that method by trial and error. I was raised that, if it sounds too good to be true... Well, you know.
Speaking of language, I've been slowly learning Japanese for about a year now I think. There's no easy way to learn it. Except being born and raised in Japan. A little late for that one. Still a piece of cake compared to Mandarin Chinese, that's a tonal language and that's a new layer of confusion.
Usually when things are done quickly the victims are art, craftsmanship and function. Slow but thorough is always best. Gosh I sound like an old fart!
I see these ads, too. I am so jaded that they don't even hit me any more. I just glaze over a little. :-)
Ambivalence is my first reaction. I'm of the older generation and have to struggle to keep up with innovations, but I can see the benefits of efficiency. I'm not in favor of waiting in lines when it can be avoided. However, some things can't be rushed. It takes a great deal of time to develop some skills like languages, keyboarding, playing musical instruments, sports expertise and so forth. The idea that everything can be rushed sounds like a greedy, impatient hyperactive notion.
You're right, many just want the quick fix. As a tutor, I often get students who thnk I'm going to give them shortcuts and "tricks". When they find out they actually just have to work for things, I think it's a disappointment.
"well wishers in emails" - I guess you are too nice to call them spammers. Quick success appeals to those who have not experienced enough quick failure. - your post just gave me a line for my next quick success T-shirt.
thanks
The world certainly is moving faster these days. I worry about the younger generation. Seems they aren't able to simply sit and just be. They have to have t.v. or a video game, texting, Facebook or Twitter. They're brains have to be stimulated at every minute. Sometimes I even feel myself sliding down that slope. But I have enough appreciation for finding some peace and quiet and just clearing my mind, or sorting things out in my head to let myself fall all the way down.
the fast lane is not usually all that good....quick riches are quickly lost...and quick life you miss too much...smiles.
happy sunday to you...smiles.
I'd much rather take the slow path than a quick fix any day.
I believe it was Carrie Fisher who said something to the effect of... the problem with instant gratification is that it takes too long.
All I can say is, I don't understand why my microwave is so damned slow.
Makes me think of the movie Click, where a guy can fast forward through bits of his life that are boring or hardwork...
I'm a pessimist by nature so I tend to eye all that stuff with scrutiny!
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