Threshold Generation.
That’s what they’re calling us.
We are predictably the Last Generation to have Grown Up without Computer Technology
And that’s ForEver
Like the Last Generation, a century or so ago, to have grown up without a Telephone
Or the Last Generation, five centuries or so ago, to have grown up without the Printing Press
Or the Last Generation, thirty-five centuries or so ago, to have grown up before the Invention of the Wheel
We are the Last people populating the earth to have known what Life without Computer Technology was Like.
And with that comes the responsibility,
That to Future Generations
The Lessons we have to teach shall not be Lost.

But it does give one pause.
What is it exactly that we have to teach
That we have to Offer
That if we do not pass it on, shall be lost to all generations for all of time?
Here are a dozen lessons I would like to offer those who have never known life without technology:

1. DISCERNMENT NOT INCLUDED

If I could put one Warning Label on every technological implement ever sold or distributed, it would be this. The consciousness and discernment that drives this device is within you. Proceed with Caution.

2. NOTHING BEATS HUMAN CONTACT

To Have and To Hold; To Hug; To Shake Hands: To Kiss; To Touch… Nothing is Better than these things. There is no substitute for looking into another person’s eyes. No Break-Ups by text — Earn your way out!

3. DON’T GOSSIP

Same Rules apply as before technology. Do not engage in Gossip. Rather, search for Truth.

4. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT ENTITLED TO YOUR PRIVATE INFORMATION

As EDWARD SNOWDEN has proven, our Government under the initiation of GEORGE W. BUSH and the so-called “Patriot Act,” has access to every email, text, communication, online search and phone conversation in which we engage (including reading this right now.) This is not acceptable! This is a Neo-Con Enactment. Do Not Get Complacent. Fight It. They are our Elected Representatives whose job it is to serve Us, in spite of what they might have us Believe.

This Year’s Academy Award Winning Best Documentary, Laura Poitras’ CITIZEN FOUR

5. LET IT GO, SOMETIMES — At Least Once a Day!

Technology will moment to moment reprioritize your To Do List. Step back from this now and again, and prioritize what is most important to you ahead of what has just popped into your InBox.

6. WITH ADDED CONVENIENCE, COMES ADDED RESPONSIBILITY

There is more Information Available to You. Choose Elements of it to Learn. Embrace Knowledge. Bring it from WithOut to WithIn.

7. GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY

It’s Still Fun to Run Around and Play; Kick a Ball; or just Skip, Do Cartwheels, Exercise, and Have Fun OutDoors. Be in Nature. Sniff a Flower. Experience the Ocean. And Protect it.

8. HELP OTHERS

Sometimes Other People need Help. And doing what you can, even if it involves leaving your technology behind, can be a Good Thing. People First.

9. WORK HARD

The Easiest Solution is not always the Best Solution. The First Idea is not always the Final Idea. Hard Work is its own reward.
 

10. SHOW UP ON TIME.

Just because you can easily text someone that you’ll be late is not a reason to be. When you make an appointment, Keep it! Be Respectful.

11. COURTESY COUNTS

Look Up! No need to look at your device while you’re walking, if it’s at the cost of your presence in Community. Step off to the side, do your business, and then step back into the World without holding up anyone else’s pace. Uphold your place in your Community.

12. HANDLE WITH CARE

YourSelf, that is — Your Body.
Backlit Screens are not good for your Eyes. Remember the 20 – 20 -20 Rule: Every 20 Minutes, Pause and Look far in the Distance for 20 Seconds, and Blink your Eyes 20 Times;
Never hold a lithium Battery to your Ear or to your Head or Close to your body;
Don’t sit RoundShouldered over your computer;
Keep the Music at a Low Volume when the earphones are in your delicate ears;
and Always Turn Off all Technology an Hour before going to Sleep so that your Body is able to recharge with Deep REM Sleep, and you may Live a Longer and Healthier Life.

If you are also Threshold Generation, What have you Learned that you would like to Pass On?

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