... is more than just substance abuse.
One of our most devoted readers, Michael
Cerf, responded to this column with a reference to the Penses of Blaise
Pascal. Michael only paraphrased the original, but it seems to be a highly
passable translation, and the point is, of course, well taken.
To combat l'ennui (boredom and more - a feeling
of total vacuity), what do men do? They hunt, they wage wars, they chase
women, they gamble, they work, etc. The king in his palace and the
prisoner in his cell experience the same feeling of ennui when they have
strictly nothing to do - hence all our pursuits, which lead to extremes.
Frankly, if it's a choice between extreme use of the internet or waging
war, I don't have any problem choosing which I prefer. Are there any online
counseling programs for people addicted to waging war?
Go to: admit we are powerless over the web,
or
Go to: that semi-permanent update page,
or
Go to: Boidem Contents Page