On Sunday I was in London with my friend, Giles Gear. We had a superb day.
After arriving at St. Pancras, I hopped on a Boris Bike and navigated my way to Trafalgar Square. Without consulting a map, I cycled straight there – there was a confirmation from a passer-by that I was heading in the general direction – but that was it!
It was wonderful seeing Mr Gear. He is such a happy chappy and someone full of energy, enthusiasm and eagerness, and much, much more. It had been too long. We caught up. We cycled about here, there and everywhere, sightseeing and eventually stopping off in Chelsea. A short walk and we were in Harrods so we popped in.
Side note. Afterwards we headed to Speakers’ Corner. If you are in London on a Sunday, go! Preferably with me. I love a good debate and a real one. Not mediated through text but a face-to-face argument with a bigoted mind. The cheers, and claps I have received in the past when I have made a sensible comment in response to a speaker’s nonsense is just wonderful! The imagination fires from what is bellowed at me and what I bellowed. Imagination. Passion.
Anyway, the main story. In Harrods, we wandered around in awe of astronomically priced goods. How someone can wear on their wrist well over the value of my family home I do not know?! There’s money out there! Wandering here and there, we eventually stumbled upon the toys’ section. We were again taken aback, not so much at the prices, but of the array or toys and the demonstrations that were taking place. There was a member of staff demonstrating flying a mini-drone and one showing how a shooter-augmented reality game worked. Woah. Forgive me if I misquote but Giles said something along the lines of he would never give his offspring this kind of gear (pun) but rather dolls and lego and whatnot.
I immediately agreed and I think we likewise commented on the squashing of imagination that these technological advances may cause to the developing brain. The very plastic that makes the lego pieces and the dolls is itself technology, yes, yes, but playing with this limited technology aids in the development of a wild imagination.
In a world which is forever growing in its technological dependence, do not get me wrong, I am not calling upon a outright ban on screens and an Amish way of life. Instead I am calling upon a delay upon young children’s usage. At what age is up to you.
In a world which is forever growing in its technological dependence, machines will complete more and more of the tasks which have provided work for many centuries. A wondrous, adventurous and imaginative mind is needed for the creation. Imagination. Passion.
Sam.
