Living within the Machine: the Problem of Deism

I talk a lot about the effects of technology, the technical system and the way of thinking called technique, but they are sustained by a way of seeing the universe that we might broadly call: "Deism"

50. Living within the Machine: the Problem of Deism

After a day of spreadsheets, emails, reports and meetings, Brandon was glad the day was drawing to a close. The whole environment depressed him. As he saved files and closed windows on his computer, he pulled the menu up to shut down for the weekend. During the week he just left it on. Easier to pick up where he left off. But his habit of shutting everything down on Friday evenings had a satisfying feel. He watched as each of the three screens winked out and the red “off” light began to glow. Funny, that. You need a light to come on to tell you that your computer is now “off.” He snorted. Nothing is ever off. It is always on. You are always connected.

This thought made him do something unusual. Instead of reaching for the bundle of knotted cord in his pocket, he pulled out his phone and powered it down. There was that momentary sense that he might miss something important. But, no. This evening was going to be special. One of the Gathering was going to bring some bread…