Happy Saturday y'all! Below, I have rounded up some things for you to think about this weekend:
1. Libraries are currently places where we can access information—books, magazines, the Internet, audiobooks, etc. This article describes how libraries in the future may change to allow us to create the future, rather than learn about the present. Some libraries already offer 3D printers and laser cutters, but future libraries may have other types of technologies. Imagine experiencing virtual or augmented reality with library equipment and software, "checking out" a trip to another planet or a day in the life as another animal, for example. As someone who currently enjoys libraries, I would definitely welcome a shift away from housing print books to an Epcot-like place where new technologies could be experienced without needing to purchase them for oneself.
2. Millennials have been featured in headlines recently for "killing" paper napkins, wine, golf, and other products. However, the real reasons for this trend are not generational snark and apathy toward capitalism. Instead, it's a combination of multiple factors that contribute to the fact that millennials do not have the spending power of earlier generations. They earn $2,000 less than their parents did in 1980 after adjusting for inflation, drastically more student loan debt, and they work longer hours leaving them with less time to shop. I would like to think that in addition to those facts, millennials are plausibly more environmentally conscious and understand that using paper napkins can be replaced with using alternatives (such as cotton towels and reusable "paper" towels)—although you can compost paper napkins, so there is that option as well.
3. A magickian has written an article taking a critical look at Robert Anton Wilson, focusing on some of the downsides in his reality tunnels. Although I am a RAW fan, I did find some of the points made to be valid, even if those in the comment section did not agree. At any rate, if you're into the late author, I would advise giving it a read and some thought.
That's all for this week's edition of Weekend Thoughts. Until next week, keep thinking wilder.