I’ve been thinking about all the synchronous experiences we used to have as a community.
— People got their news from one of three networks — at either 6pm or 10pm each night — or read it in the (one) local paper
— People gathered at one of a few main services at their church
— Interactions occurred when people shopped at the local mall or downtown strip of stores
— There may have been only one or two “diners” or “supper clubs” for those rare occasions when people ate out
— Everyone waited in line to vote in person on the same day
The growth of specialization led to separation and fewer common experiences. We’re no longer living essentially the same life as our neighbors. We’re not having those “collisions” (as Tony Hsieh called them) and learning to know our people as individuals instead of a generic generalization.
It’s easier to dislike or distrust a nameless person. It’s easier to assume that you have nothing in common because you haven’t shared those moments together. It takes more work to ask questions and establish connections — but it’s worth the effort. Start a conversation with someone new and learn about the world as others have experienced it.
