One of my favorite online writers, Paul Graham, has an interesting new essay up, titled "The Island Test".
I've discovered a handy test for figuring out what you're addicted to. Imagine you were going to spend the weekend at a friend's house on a little island off the coast of Maine. There are no shops on the island and you won't be able to leave while you're there. Also, you've never been to this house before, so you can't assume it will have more than any house might.
What, besides clothes and toiletries, do you make a point of packing? That's what you're addicted to.
I'm not sure if it's fair to assume that this house would have electricity, but I'll make that assumption, since my #1 item pretty much depends on it. My items would be my laptop, a stack of novels, and my camera, with some lenses and close-up filters.
I guess that paints a pretty clear picture of what I'm addicted to.
2 comments:
I instantly thought of "camera" and "computer" in that order. But I think what I'm really addicted to is the Internet, so without that, I'll take some books. The real question is though, can I bring someone else?
I'm really enjoying your blog btw! I've habitually avoided "ranting" on my blog but your examples are pretty clean rants, I like 'em and might even allow myself a rant or two ;)
Haha, you mean my rants about Subway employees, and the urinal TP? :)
Yeah, I thought about the "bringing someONE" part, and if that was allowed, Sara would definitely be the #1 thing on my list.
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