While dining out with Jean the other day a pretty little girl in a fancy dress came in and sat down quietly as her parents talked with two other adult couples. This tiny Miss took out her cell phone and pulled up a game and then explored the possibilities of what might interest her. We guessed her age at perhaps three and a half.
In my presentation yesterday I touched on the topic of continued Personal Growth and lifetime learning. One of the aides was listening and I said something about the great jazz trumpet artist named Al Hurt. I mentioned the song Hindustan. My friend in the corner called out “Got it.” I checked and he had that song by Al Hurt playing. It had taken him 15 or 20 seconds and so I took his phone and let everyone hear a bit of the song.
A few moments later I gave reference to Earl Nightingale’s message The Strangest Secret. I bought the record used at a Salvation Army resale store and probably paid a quarter for it. That was in the late sixties. Say 1968. That is fifty years ago. Less than twenty five seconds later my friend nodded. Sure enough. On his screen he had Earl Nightengale with The Strangest Secret. I went around the room showing his I Phone and letting them listen for a bit to The Strangest Secret. Over the years I must have listened to it a thousand times and it was one of the first tools I used in my quest for self improvement. I commented on how much they might find online in just a few seconds if they were interested in seeking wisdom or knowledge or tools for personal growth. One could find some of the most significant speeches. In a few seconds you might find the author saying “I have a dream!” Or, “Ask not what your country might do for you but what you might do for your country.” Or maybe, “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation… You might find the greatest music in this world played by the finest musicians. You can get your mind opened and begin the process of discovery on any subject by exploring Tedtalks.com. There are free courses taught by some of the best experts in the world out there free if you just learn how to search. Or you can pull up solitaire or thousands of games, become addicted to them and perhaps waste the rest of your life.
I will remember that sweet little girl and wonder where her Iphone might take her in her journey though life. The possibilities are endless.
Gosh Art, It was so refreshing to read your post with a positive nod to technology. The Internet has added so many dimensions to living. I appreciate your nod to the addiction it can cause, but love once again, your upbeat spin on life!