look around you

As a species of toolmakers, humans built up a world where we are surrounded by our society’s tools from birth and every day after. Look around you- tools are not just hammers & rakes. Everything near you is a tool, many we can’t live without:

• Clothes
• Glasses
• Your house itself

It’s easy to take our many tools for granted, since we are so immersed in their presence. But in some sense they become part of us, as extension, as a larger self. To choose high quality tools, and to take care of them, is to care for yourself and those you share them with.

Today’s culture of cheap & disposable everything not only poisons the land, but ourselves too. Literally, when companies cut corners, selling toxic & polluting products. But mentally, the disposable & cheap mindset spills over to relationships, work & self perception.

As you go through your day, notice the number of things you interact with. Is it a good experience? Is it enhancing your life? What happens once you’re done? When bringing a new tool into your life, whether a new computer or plastic spoon, give it some more thought first.