The reason for indulging in any kind of entertainment often seems to be – “Life is tough as it is, so this is just an outlet, a distraction, a guilty pleasure, an escape!”. Films and TV with their several forms of content are a distraction. Travel is a distraction. Sports is a distraction. Dating is a distraction. Strip joints and casinos and pubs and clubs are distractions. Motorcycles and cars and comics are distractions. Smoking is a distraction. Music? Shopping? Stand-up comedians? Social Media?
ALSO SEE Racism and Indians in the United States – What’s Our Role?
How much entertainment do we need? How many distractions do we need? When and how did we turn into a species that wants to escape more than be present? French philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote – “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone”. It seems like with every passing day, this is becoming more and more accurate. Yes, it creates more opportunities for employment and occupation. But at what cost? I hope Mr. Jared Diamond finds the time to delve deep into this and write another gem. Let me think about this more as I brew a cup of coffee and tee up the latest episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.