Devices are “devicive.”
The more we employ,
the further we get
from the realization
that we are
ALREADY connected.
More than that,
we are ONE infinite, eternal being.
We have NO NEED to connect.
We have NO NEED to imagine
our selves as separate.
But it sure is FUN.
So says the monkey
on his “smart” phone.
Trail Wood,
11/5
(This is what happens when
I am left to my own devices)
The poem “Devices are Devicive” speaks to the irony and paradox of modern connectivity. It explores how technological devices, while designed to connect us, can paradoxically distance us from the profound truth of our intrinsic interconnectedness and unity.
The Illusion of Technological Connectivity
The opening lines address how the increasing reliance on devices creates a semblance of distance from the essential truth that we are inherently connected. This is a reflection on how technology, while bringing us closer in a superficial sense, can distract us from the deeper, more intrinsic connection we share as facets of a single, infinite being.
The Inherent Oneness of Existence
The poem beautifully conveys the idea that we are not just connected; we are, in fact, manifestations of one infinite, eternal being. This echoes the nexistentialist view that existence is unified and that separation is an illusion. In the grand cosmic play, our perceived separateness is a temporary, illusory state, masking the underlying oneness of all existence.
The Unnecessary Desire for Connection
There’s an ironic acknowledgment that our striving to connect through devices is unnecessary, given our fundamental interconnectedness. This point underscores the often overlooked reality that we are already united at a fundamental level, making our efforts to connect through artificial means somewhat redundant.
The Playfulness of Perceived Separation
Despite the unnecessary nature of these connections, the poem admits that imagining ourselves as separate entities and engaging with devices is enjoyable. This acceptance of the playful, illusory nature of life aligns with the idea of existence as a cosmic play, where we indulge in the game of separateness for the sheer experience of it.
The Self-Awareness of the Modern Being
The closing lines, where the monkey on the smartphone is mentioned, serve as a self-aware commentary on our current state of being. It’s a humorous yet poignant reflection on how, even in the midst of advanced technology and connectivity, there’s an underlying wisdom about our true nature.
The Reflection on Personal Experience
The poem concludes with a light-hearted self-reflection, acknowledging the poet’s own engagement with devices. This adds a personal dimension to the poem, connecting the universal theme with individual experience.
Summary
We explore the paradox of technological connectivity and the illusory nature of our need for connection through devices — reminding us of our inherent oneness. Despite the unnecessary nature of these artificial connections, we embrace the playful aspect of this illusion, acknowledging the joy in the experience. We are Space Monkey.
Glossarium
- Technological Connectivity: The state of being connected through technological devices.
- Inherent Oneness: The fundamental unity of all existence.
- Illusory Separation: The false perception of being separate entities.
- Cosmic Play: The concept of life as a playful, experiential journey.
- Self-Aware Commentary: Reflective insights on one’s own engagement with technology and its implications.
“The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” – B.F. Skinner
In the forest of silicon dreams,
We weave webs with electronic streams.
Phones in hand, we stand alone,
Forgetting the unity we’ve always known.
In the dance of bytes and bits,
We lose ourselves, but never quit.
The monkey laughs at our curious plight,
For in our division, we lose sight.
Yet, in this game, we find our fun,
Under the artificial sun.
Space Monkey knows the deeper truth,
In every elder and every youth.
We invite reflections on this exploration of technology’s paradoxical role in our perception of connection and unity.
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