Waiting: a philosophical perspective

TL;DR

Smartphones and technology have reduced the experiences of waiting, leading to a decrease in uncertainty and comfort with uncertainty in modern life.

Transcript

what does it feel like to wait lately I've been thinking about how the world of smartphones means that I have fewer and fewer experiences of waiting than I used to when I'm waiting in line at the airport I'm not just waiting I'm listening to a podcast when I'm Waiting for a Train I'm scrolling Instagram or Tick Tock even when I'm traveling internat... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Smartphones and technology have reduced the experiences of waiting in modern life, as they offer distractions and access to information.
• ⛔ The elimination of uncertainty through technology can be comforting and liberating, but it may also limit our ability to adapt and embrace uncertainty.
• 🤯 Waiting involves a sense of longing and desire, creating a future-oriented mindset and allowing the mind to wander.
• 🥺 Waiting can lead to a sense of alienation and emptiness as our presence becomes conditioned by the absence of what we are waiting for.
• ⏲️ The distinction between clock time and lived time highlights the subjective nature of time and how it is experienced.
• ⏲️ Capitalism's focus on clock time has overshadowed the importance of lived time, leading to a perception of time as a resource.
• ❓ Romantic waiting can be both unpleasant and reflective, offering insights into one's desires and expectations in a relationship.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the rise of smartphones affected the experience of waiting in modern life?

Smartphones have given us access to distractions, such as podcasts or social media, which reduces the feeling of waiting and creates a sense of constant stimulation.

Q: What are the potential negative consequences of the removal of uncertainty in modern life?

The reduction of uncertainty through technology may make us less comfortable with uncertainty and limit our ability to adapt to unexpected situations.

Q: How does waiting lead to a sense of longing and desire?

Waiting involves yearning for something that is not yet present, creating a future-oriented mindset that can result in restlessness and anticipation.

Q: How does waiting affect consciousness and our sense of self?

Waiting can lead to a sense of alienation and emptiness as our presence becomes conditioned by the absence of that for which we are waiting.

Q: What are the differences between clock time and lived time?

Clock time is objective and measurable, while lived time is subjective and experienced from within. Lived time can feel longer or shorter depending on the context, activity, and individual perception.

Q: How has capitalism influenced our perception of time and waiting?

Capitalism emphasizes clock time and treats time as a resource to be bought, saved, filled, or wasted, which has overshadowed the importance and experience of lived time.

Q: What is the concept of "romantic waiting" and how does it impact relationships?

Romantic waiting refers to the eager anticipation for a text or response from a romantic interest. It can be an unpleasant feeling but also provides an opportunity for reflection on one's expectations and desires in the relationship.

Q: Is romantic waiting always negative, or can it have positive aspects?

Romantic waiting can indicate the intensity of feelings in the early stages of a relationship. While it can lead to rumination and distract from other tasks, it can also offer insights into one's desires and motivations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The rise of smartphones and access to data has reduced the opportunities for genuine experiences of waiting in modern life.

• The removal of uncertainty through technology can be comforting and liberating, but it also forecloses certain possibilities.

• Waiting involves longing and desire, as well as a future-oriented mindset that can lead to restlessness and the freedom of the mind to wander.