Declining an Upgrade.

I watched a documentary last night, ostensibly about the rapid rise in the development and use of technology, and how the concept of the ‘upgrade’ has become a central feature of life. But that was just the start. It went on to examine the phenomenon whereby the upgrade principle no longer applies only to the machines, but to the people who live and work in a 21^st century developed culture. In the case of people, the need to upgrade means requiring increased effort, stress, and productivity in order to produce increased wealth.

(Side note: And who are the main beneficiaries of this increase in wealth? Why, the tiny number of mega rich people of course.)

Several illustrations appeared on screen, and the one which most touched my own sensibilities showed two paths running into the distance. On one was an unbroken line of people hurrying forward at ever increasing pace in order to maintain their status as upgraders. On the other was a single hooded and robed figure walking steadily. That was me.

I have no desire to upgrade in that sense. I’m not the type to be seduced by baubles, bangles, or beads; nor the incessant tugging of lifestyle accessories and wealth. I want to discover the meaning and purpose of life, the origin and nature of consciousness, the truth behind the concept of reality, and where the dead go (if anywhere.) And I’m sure I’m not alone, although meeting another non-upgrader seems to be all but impossible in my situation.

And so I resolutely side-step every pressure to upgrade myself, even though the system makes life ever more difficult and inconvenient for a person walking on the wrong path. Examples of those difficulties occur nearly every day now, but I think it’s worth dealing with them as best I can. Maybe when I die some higher power will tell me I was right. Or maybe they won’t.