I want to take you down a quick thought path. A path to consider a word and how it is used in everyday life. While also taking into account its application in our conversational language. The generally accepted definition for the word is: of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date. It is there where our journey begins.
Focusing on "out of date" as the widely accepted meaning of the word "obsolete" is where we step on the thought path. Can something ever be truly "out of date"? Is a vinyl record viewed in this way? Or how about the Model T? We use the word so loosely, myself included. It makes the thing we are talking about seem modern or groundbreaking by comparing it to an obsolete item of years gone by. By calling something "obsolete" we are essentially saying that said item is useless because it is old or too far back in the evolution of a product to be relevant in the modern world. That being said, I think we need to retool our use of the word by turning the word into a vernacular scalpel as opposed to the conversational atomic bomb it has become.
Continuing on the same path, we can expand it a little. Can people become obsolete? Or a profession? Or is this word only reserved to non-living items, such as a computer? In our fast paced world things can become "obsolete" within months of its creation. Smart phones are on a 4-6 month life cycle before they become "obsolete". I think we put to much emphasis on the technology while ignoring what is at the heart of all of this "obsolete-ism". We use the word as a synonym for "useless". We disregard all "obsolete" items for a newer technology and with it, much of the knowledge and care that was part of that item; whether it be through upkeep, operation, or construction. Take the straight edge barbers the world over used to shave and groom ones neck and face. You know, the one with the leather strap and the lather that actually had to be lathered to make it a foam... They have been replaced by electric razors that: cannot slice you open, are too loud, and take away the craftsmanship once associated with a good barber shop shave. Most would describe that method as "obsolete", saying it has been replaced by the newer, better, faster, electric razor. But is it better because of method, time spent, or just because it is new? I would argue it is not better. It is uncommon for someone of my generation to have actually experienced a cut like this, but I have. Comparing the two experiences, the choice is clear. While the electric razor may be faster and incapable of cutting me, it is far from superior. Most of the places that I go to get my haircut are part of the "modern" vein and use an electric razor, Every time they finish, I leave feeling like I have just been thrown together on an assembly line only to be ushered out of the chair to have it repeated on some other poor soul. But the times in which I have gotten a cut from a real barber, I feel like I have received concierge service at a 5-star resort. The barber takes the time, yes time, to make sure the blade is sharp and the lather is ready. He starts by preparing my neck or face by making sure that my neck and head are comfortable, so that I don't move or twitch after he begins. He then takes the lather and applies it to my face or neck with care, making sure they are properly covered without over applying. Then, after a few strikes on the leather strap for good measure, he begins to cut, slowly and methodically. Taking care, like a professional, he slowly begins his work. Not rushing because, his ability to not cut me with his blade is what gives him repeat customers. Then after a time, he completes the cut and I leave happy. I say all that to say that most would say that method is "obsolete" but I would argue it is "old fashioned" things like a barber shop shave that we desperately need in the world today. We can't have everything in 5 seconds or 10 minutes and an item's inability to give us the "perfect sound/picture" or "speedy service" does not make it obsolete. Some things are time tested and take time for a reason...
Lets not stand idly by and let the world destroy everything that takes longer than we think it should by proclaiming them obsolete. Good food, the right spouse, a '66 Mustang, a good shave... are all worth waiting for and are certainly not obsolete. Think about it the next time you go to call something "obsolete" and go get a nice haircut and shave (if you're a man of course)...
Focusing on "out of date" as the widely accepted meaning of the word "obsolete" is where we step on the thought path. Can something ever be truly "out of date"? Is a vinyl record viewed in this way? Or how about the Model T? We use the word so loosely, myself included. It makes the thing we are talking about seem modern or groundbreaking by comparing it to an obsolete item of years gone by. By calling something "obsolete" we are essentially saying that said item is useless because it is old or too far back in the evolution of a product to be relevant in the modern world. That being said, I think we need to retool our use of the word by turning the word into a vernacular scalpel as opposed to the conversational atomic bomb it has become.
Continuing on the same path, we can expand it a little. Can people become obsolete? Or a profession? Or is this word only reserved to non-living items, such as a computer? In our fast paced world things can become "obsolete" within months of its creation. Smart phones are on a 4-6 month life cycle before they become "obsolete". I think we put to much emphasis on the technology while ignoring what is at the heart of all of this "obsolete-ism". We use the word as a synonym for "useless". We disregard all "obsolete" items for a newer technology and with it, much of the knowledge and care that was part of that item; whether it be through upkeep, operation, or construction. Take the straight edge barbers the world over used to shave and groom ones neck and face. You know, the one with the leather strap and the lather that actually had to be lathered to make it a foam... They have been replaced by electric razors that: cannot slice you open, are too loud, and take away the craftsmanship once associated with a good barber shop shave. Most would describe that method as "obsolete", saying it has been replaced by the newer, better, faster, electric razor. But is it better because of method, time spent, or just because it is new? I would argue it is not better. It is uncommon for someone of my generation to have actually experienced a cut like this, but I have. Comparing the two experiences, the choice is clear. While the electric razor may be faster and incapable of cutting me, it is far from superior. Most of the places that I go to get my haircut are part of the "modern" vein and use an electric razor, Every time they finish, I leave feeling like I have just been thrown together on an assembly line only to be ushered out of the chair to have it repeated on some other poor soul. But the times in which I have gotten a cut from a real barber, I feel like I have received concierge service at a 5-star resort. The barber takes the time, yes time, to make sure the blade is sharp and the lather is ready. He starts by preparing my neck or face by making sure that my neck and head are comfortable, so that I don't move or twitch after he begins. He then takes the lather and applies it to my face or neck with care, making sure they are properly covered without over applying. Then, after a few strikes on the leather strap for good measure, he begins to cut, slowly and methodically. Taking care, like a professional, he slowly begins his work. Not rushing because, his ability to not cut me with his blade is what gives him repeat customers. Then after a time, he completes the cut and I leave happy. I say all that to say that most would say that method is "obsolete" but I would argue it is "old fashioned" things like a barber shop shave that we desperately need in the world today. We can't have everything in 5 seconds or 10 minutes and an item's inability to give us the "perfect sound/picture" or "speedy service" does not make it obsolete. Some things are time tested and take time for a reason...
Lets not stand idly by and let the world destroy everything that takes longer than we think it should by proclaiming them obsolete. Good food, the right spouse, a '66 Mustang, a good shave... are all worth waiting for and are certainly not obsolete. Think about it the next time you go to call something "obsolete" and go get a nice haircut and shave (if you're a man of course)...
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