The new Lexus LS commercial where the car parallel parks itself got me to thinking about how lazy the human race has become. Over the last 20 years many simple, almost effortless daily tasks have been taken over by technology. Television remote controls mean we don’t even have to put down the Cheetos to make the long trek across the room to change the channel. Our cars apparently can look up directions, parallel park, and tell us if they’re having mechanical difficulties by sending us an e-mail. Because the process of reaching into our freezer to get ice was so labor intensive we now have refrigerators that pour ice right out of the front of the door. In fact the other day I saw a refrigerator that has a television built right into the door. I have satellite radio in my car. It came with a remote control in case it’s too difficult for me to reach all the way over to the radio to change the station. Goober Grape? Peanut butter and jelly in one jar means I don’t have to open 2 whole jars to make a sandwich. The time I save on that alone has probably added years of pleasurable activity to my life.
You know how over the course of evolution species often gradually change shape and size to meet the changing needs in their environment? I imagine that if technology continues to take over menial day to day tasks for us we’ll eventually have no use for our arms and legs, making us into an entire planet full of slug-like Jabba The Hut creatures. In fact, I’ve heard of women who often try to use technology to replace men entirely. That is why only men should be taught math and sciences. No good can come of this.