A wise man once told me “The most important ingredient of learning is curiosity.”

“Hibiscus: Genus of plant, commonly called rose mallows…native to warm temperate regions of the northern hemisphere…the large showy flowers have five petals, a column of fused stamens with kidney shaped antlers and several pistils….

Hickok, Wild Bill: Real name James Butler Hickok (1837-76) American frontiersman, stagecoach driver, Scout for many military leaders, law enforcement officer …U.S. Marshall, Fort Riley, Hayes City and Abilene, Kansas. These turbulent cattle towns were pacified through Hickok’s courage and marksmanship. He toured Eastern US in a play along with Buffalo Bill. He was shot to death in a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

Hinduism: Religion practiced in India and still practiced by most of its inhabitants. The canon of Hinduism is defined with regard to what people do rather than what they think…. Hinduism is a major world religion, not merely by virtue of its many followers, but also because of its profound influence on many other religions during its long, unbroken history….The ultimate canonical authority for all Hindus is the Vedas….”

Just Google it. The key to learning is curiosity. What can’t you learn from Google or YouTube? Today we hold more computing power in the phones we stuff in our pockets than was contained in a building full of computers that sent John Glenn into orbit and put Neil Armstrong on the moon. At the beginning of the computer revolution we were told that they would make our life easier and free up more time to enjoy life. That promise has proven, over time, to be less than true. Rather than being at our service, computers have become our masters and we their slaves. Computers absolutely do provide us with many conveniences as, for example, the words that appear, and can easily be edited, on my screen as I create this article. Artificial intelligence is now creeping into our homes and our children’s classrooms. Just ask Alexa.

But here’s the rub: The more computers perform tasks formerly performed by humans the less human and the more like cogs in the machine we become. The more computers evolve the more humans seem to devolve – all too often, without our even realizing it. Computers, especially among the young, erode curiosity, inventiveness, and physical activity. Social media replaces social skills. This, of course, is all old news, but it need not be absorbed with a shrug of resignation.

The machine must be tamed. It can be tamed. We can take more control of our lives and save our children from its voracious jaws. There is no one solution but I offer one small possibility here.

It, Google, only works if you know what you’re looking for. If you know what you are looking for Google is an awesome tool. But limited. Look up any subject and you will find information on the subject as well as many links to related subjects. Where Google falls short — You cannot turn the page and make an all new-to-you discovery (As in the examples given above, drawn from Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, volume 13.) A new discovery that can spark and develop curiosity, lead to learning and an enthusiasm for learning perhaps not previously enjoyed.

After buying into the computer and Google phenomena for many years, its shortcoming became increasingly evident to me. I wanted a book I could hold in my hand, open to any random page and learn something new or re-learn something I’d forgotten I ever knew to start with. Fortunately for me there are many people out there looking to unload their “old” encyclopedias. I picked up my set from Facebook Marketplace — $45 for a complete set that probably cost in excess of $1000 originally. As an old person (some might say dinosaur) it is important to keep my brain active and curious as a buffer against inevitable cognitive decline. As a young person it is important to develop a curious mind and a passion for discovery and learning. For all persons it is critical not to be lulled into becoming a slave of the machine. As an added benefit physical books spare us the harmful lights of the computer screen that ultimately damage our eyesight.

I’m not ready to give up my computer, Google, or for that matter, my typewriter. They each have their unique benefit and go together like meat, potatoes and carrots. My encyclopedias sit on a shelf next to my recliner. When I’m having my coffee in the morning I like to grab a random volume, thumb through it until something sparks my interest then start reading. This morning it was Hibiscus, Wild Bill Hickok and Hinduism. How important was it to learn those things? It doesn’t have to be. But it doesn’t hurt to be just a little bit more knowledgeable about the world we live in.

If you don’t have a set of encyclopedias, what are you missing? If your kids don’t have easy access to encyclopedias, what might they be missing?

The chain that holds us in bondage to the machine can be broken one small link at a time without completely rejecting the modern world.

Try it. You never know what may develop from breaking one small link.

Uncle Grumpus