Loneliness

In this week’s reading, the narrator touches on the subject of loneliness. He claims that the most heavily populated cities on the east and west coasts are actually home to the loneliest people. It is paradoxical that the Midwest, which has far less concentrated cities, is where the less lonely reside. I think this shows that appearances and expectations are not always what they appear to be. The narrator goes on to explain that technology is largely at fault for the loneliness of citizens who live in “big coastal cities” (321). In larger cities, people are more exposed to technology, which in turn detaches them from the natural world. Urbanization heavily detracts from an individual’s touch with nature. In contrast, those in the Midwest are less exposed to urbanization, so they are more in touch with the natural world.

Technology is to blame for this type of loneliness because of the isolation that results from it. Being in Miami, we are all constantly being exposed to technology in such large amounts, to a point where it is taking over our lives. Of course, there are many benefits to technology, but there are consequences that result from it. As we are progressing into a more and more technologically-based world, our dependence on technology is growing. As can be seen today, most people are glued to their cell phones and computers, so conversation and personal interaction is limited in the presence of technology. I think this is the type of isolation that the narrator is referring to.

The narrator also speaks briefly about decision-making and its connection to Quality. I still find the topic of Quality to be a bit confusing, but the narrator’s explanations have slightly helped me in understanding his ideas. As he mentions, technology can be used to maintain friends. Using himself as an example, the narrator explains that “a person who knows how to fix motorcycles – with Quality – is less likely to run short of friends than one who doesn't” (322). When an individual becomes interested in what he or she does, then that person will become more interesting. His Quality decision, which is his good decision that is thoroughly thought out, will prove beneficial, as his friends will not view him as an object, but rather as an individual with interesting and worthwhile substance.