Technology

Back in 2005, I invited my family over to Chicago to attend my graduation. Some family members came. And it just so happened that that week was the hottest week of the summer that year. I never bought a car with AC in it but it was something I could allways bear. Yes, even in 90 degree weather. Unfortunately, my family always had cars with AC in them, and so they were not accustomed to toughing it out as I have done for years.

The solution? Roll down the windows and drive faster.

And so we did. Those who rode with Richel were able to be a bit more comfortable, for her car does have AC. In any case, there came a time when Goh and Wei both rode with me. As we climbed in the car and drove off...

"Hey Wei, roll down the window." Goh said.

"I don't know how!" came Wei's anxious and frustrated reply as she pawed at the side of the door, searching for something. I couldn't help but chuckle for I knew the source of her anxiety and told her,

"Hey Wei, there's no button to push to open the windows in this car. You have to actually roll down the window." I told her.

Wow, that's something. But Wei can't really be faulted. True, she was an 11-year-old who didn't know how to roll down the window. It sounds funny, but that's what technology can do to you: when you grow up in an environment where everything needs the push of a button to do whatever it is that needs to be done, you forget how to do everything or you never learn in the first place.

Case in point.