Life Before the Internet
Before the digital age reshaped communication, education, and creativity, the rhythm of life moved differently. Communal wisdom, manual labor, and the slow, deliberate spread of knowledge dictated life itself. The elders in my village recognized the shortcomings and the limitations of formal education imposed by colonial structures. They saw that conventional schooling did not always translate into immediate prosperity. They urged young learners toward commercial and technical education, viewing it as a more direct path to self-sufficiency.
As a student, I navigated these expectations with curiosity and resistance. I tested the waters in commercial studies, wrestling with stenography and typewriting. The mechanics of shorthand eluded me, and my performance reflected my lack of enthusiasm. Yet, despite my early frustrations, something clicked when I practiced using the typewriter during school breaks on my niece’s machine. I discovered a love for the rhythmic dance of fingers over keys, the ability to translate thought into tangible text. I am proud to say that I wrote my first book, “The Tragedy of Desire,” using that humble typewriter. A testament to the power of persistence and expression.
Using and mastering the typewriter was, for a time, my pinnacle of innovation. Then came the IBM typewriter with memory storage, pushing the boundaries of efficiency. And then came the internet. Unlike the earlier technological advancements that required physical adaptation, the internet demanded a shift in mindset. It was no longer just about pressing keys but about questioning the machine and receiving an answer. It was the beginning of interactive learning, a gateway to knowledge beyond textbooks and tradition.
Suddenly, writing was no longer confined to printed paper. Words are saved indefinitely, shared instantly, and refined without the constraint of ink or correction fluid. The relief was immense. With each new technological leap, communication barriers melted away, and the world grew more interconnected. Though the transition from the old to new technologies was swift, it did not erase the past. It built upon it, layering the wisdom of elders with the efficiency of machines.
Life before the internet was slower, more deliberate, filled with face-to-face discussions and the weight of handwritten letters. It required patience, endurance, and an acceptance of limitations. But its lessons remained invaluable. The importance of mastering a skill with one’s hands, the value of community-driven knowledge, and the enduring beauty of creation. Whether carved in stone, typed on paper, or displayed on a screen.
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