Dumb vs Smart
Smart enough to lose, dumb enough to win.
Remember how much peace we had with the Nokia 3310?
Calls and messages, with Snake as the cherry on top. No social networks, no endless notifications, no tracking systems, no AI virtual assistants, and no cameras.
The era of “Dumb” was the era when we lived in the moment. It was a time when nothing was more important than that concert, that feeling you tried to remember - capturing memories in the purest way possible. It was a moment of pure freedom, yet we still could connect with people anytime, anywhere.
Once the “Smart” was introduced, everything changed.
Being connected non-stop, apps, touchscreens, videos, reels, shorts, posts, replies, chats, group chats, work chats... and countless memories that we never made because of all that.
Today, the phone represents our virtual selves. It’s our digital identity - at the same time a tracking machine, virtual assistant, entertainer, but in 99% of cases, a distractor and time-waster. We now use our phones like portable televisions that boost our dopamine more than ever. Dopamine is the hormone of happiness and reward - but once it loses its compass, we become so-called “digital zombies,” disconnected from the real world.
Long story short, I dream of a moment when my work and lifestyle will allow me to be dumb again - to have my freedom and my time. A time when those few people will call me only when they truly miss me, and when I can be unreachable for three days and everyone will still know I’m completely fine.
It’s interesting to think how dumb is becoming smart, and smart is becoming dumb. But how is that possible?
We live in a world of twisted, hijacked reality - where we have to fight for the “dumb” that makes us human, grounded, and, in many ways, truly smart. Because every “dumb” person knows that spending time with their family is more important than scrolling TikTok.
People admire those who appear “smart” - for example, those who talk excessively about their personal lives on social media. But are they truly smart, or simply attention seekers? Or maybe they’re smart people trying to make a living by sharing moments with the wider public, making their lives - at least for a moment - seem more interesting and meaningful.
So, is dumb the new smart, or is smart just dumb pretending to be wise?
Maybe dumb means free, and smart means too loud?
Whatever you choose to be - it’s your decision. But in the end, it’s not about dumb or smart; it’s about virtual vs. reality. It’s about living in the moment, not in the past or future.
I choose dumb. It suits me better. I’ll move through this world easier - and if I sometimes appear smart, just know that I’m only trying to stay dumb to the core.