Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Recently, I’ve found myself awake during the wee hours, captivated by videos about watch repairs—discussions around pinions, train wheel bridges, and tiny components like pallet forks and barrel arbors. It’s curious to note that I don’t have a particular interest in watches; in fact, my wristwatch has been out of commission for months, and I have little desire to keep track of time anymore. Standardized timekeeping feels like an imposition, pushing expectations I currently feel unable to meet. Instead, I wish to immerse myself in a tranquil state while enthusiasts with miniature screwdrivers discuss amplitudes and restore tiny parts that seem smaller than the light in a bird’s eye. This seems to encapsulate my existence in the current era. I’m simply not a watch enthusiast. My real interests lie elsewhere—I’d rather lie awake engrossed in novels, keeping up with global events, or watching binge-worthy Korean dramas. (It must be said, the allure of Korean vampires is undeniable.) Watches? In any reasonable scenario, I wouldn’t be concerned whether your crown gasket was faulty, nor would I know what the Patek Philippe brand you reference entailed.
Yet, we find ourselves in a world where the internet appears not to unite us through shared knowledge and empowerment but instead drowns us in a torrent of monetized frenzy—a blend of bizarre creations and unsettling narratives. Wealth-driven entities exploit our anxieties, to the point of radicalizing individuals within societal conflicts. Despite the potential for advanced technology to alleviate human struggles and enhance our lives, we find ourselves with an overwhelming presence of subpar AI systems. This unfortunate reality feels reminiscent of the poorly received Clippy from years past, emerging as it does from masses of data yet ultimately rendering a fragmented version of human creativity. Consequently, when I need to send an email, I prefer to express my true voice rather than be molded into an insipid caricature of an intern. In a more rational world, the fate of our planet wouldn’t lie in the hands of a superficial figurehead, nor with those whose governance can be as unsettling as the worst nightmares we could envision.
The unraveling of Trump’s narrative has become a focal point amid a multitude of poor decisions, a spectacle that the media can’t seem to look away from while failing to acknowledge its role in amplifying his rise, just as they did for figures like Nigel Farage. While Farage clings to Trump’s popularity, Liz Truss appears intent on courting a similar demographic. Both had raised concerns about immigration—though rarely without a hint of associated prejudice—propelling themselves into the political sphere. As influencers sought distance from rioters promoting extremist ideologies, Truss utilized her platform to advocate for free speech, even when that speech veered into radical territory. One questions the sincerity of such support: is she attempting to emulate a Rosa Parks figure for those prone to public disorder? Or is she instead simply seizing media opportunities?
The trend of prioritizing wealth over well-being, profit over empathy, and blurring the lines between facts and fallacies gives rise to figures like Trump and the associated chaos we see with Trussonomics, alongside newer disruptors like Peter Thiel and Mike Flynn. These disruptors manipulate reality like a snow globe, shaking it to create confusion until societal fractures appear. Ultimately, however, the weight of truth prevails, even if the fractures left by disruption linger. The barrage of contrarian ideologies, stifling oversight, and inflammatory narratives culminating in divisive rhetoric beckons uncomfortable debates about fundamental human rights, such as whether some lives hold less value than others or the many other grave matters society must confront amid pervasive injustices.
What I find more inspiring are the watchmakers, the unassuming artisans dedicated to refining both form and functionality, striving for reliability and precision. Their centuries-long quest for improvement embodies the essence of rationality in this world. It is encouraging to witness skilled tradespeople nurture and restore mechanisms that possess intrinsic value with a blend of patience and reverence. I yearn for a world where expertise, compassion, and humility prevail. When I tire of those who exploit beauty for harm, I long to see the inner workings of a watch laid bare, revealing unanticipated elegance; a hidden delight motivated by creativity and the dignity of craft. This world must be one where we welcome newcomers, acknowledging that at times we may all be the ‘stranger’. We also have the capacity to be those who repair, fostering friendship and community. In times of chaos, it is vital to rely on our neighbors. I feel a surge of hope when witnessing the delicate balance wheel spin anew after suffering through years of neglect and loss. I hold onto the faith that there are resilient individuals who grasp the significance of love as a restorative force, committed to mending what has been broken.
Source
www.theguardian.com