In Praise of Deep Work

In a recent New York Times Opinion piece, Georgetown University computer science professor Cal Newport asserts that addictive media apps are robbing our species of its ability, its capacity, to concentrate and deeply think. (They are a gorgon I call "Instatok.") The guest opinion piece, titled “There’s a Good Reason You Can’t Concentrate,” speaks directly and truthfully about my experience with these apps. (It also speaks to my concerns about how assistive A.I. might hinder the progress of developing minds.) So if I post less on sites like Instatok and more to this, my personal website, in the coming months and years, it’s because I’ve taken Professor Newport’s research into my heart and into my personal and professional media practice. There's a good chance I'll be revising my website over the summer to make it more user-friendly and true to my professional work and future ambitions. 

Newport is the author of the 2016 book “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World,” and I’m curious to read a physical copy of it because I’ve been easily distracted by mass media my entire life. It’s what makes music such a powerful force for me because music is one of the few things I do where I really feel focused. . . “locked in” as the kids today might say.

I wish you well, today and every day. Take good care of yourself, respect your neighbors, and let's recommit to the beauty of our offline lives. 🧡