DAVID BRANCACCIO: There’s a little sweet moment, I’ve got to say, in a very intense book– your latest– in which you’re heading out the door and your wife says what are you doing? I think you say– I’m getting– I’m going to buy an envelope.
KURT VONNEGUT: Yeah.
DAVID BRANCACCIO: What happens then?
KURT VONNEGUT: Oh, she says well, you’re not a poor man. You know, why don’t you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I’m going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope.
I meet a lot of people. And, see some great looking babes. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And, and ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don’t know. The moral of the story is, is we’re here on Earth to fart around.
And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don’t realize, or they don’t care, is we’re dancing animals. You know, we love to move around. And, we’re not supposed to dance at all anymore.
David Brancaccio interviews Kurt Vonnegut discussing his then newly published Book: ‘A Man Without a Country’
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Starting a fresh series on writing and writers; excerpts from their books, as next few months Nara will be on the Road.
Thank you.
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly;
As a co-traveller, will take you through the Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.
Also read: 9 Most Read Stories from Road To Nara in 2022
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You might also like to know about My Little School Project. If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here
If you would like to contribute to my travels, you can please do so here
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If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at narayankaudinya@gmail.com
To visit other long-term photographic works, please visit here.
To follow my walks through the rural Indian Subcontinent, find me at
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ROAD TO NARA 
One of my all-time literary heroes, Narayan. Such a simple exchange, but telling of so much. We were made to dance, not sit still in front of a computer all day. Kurt says it like it is.
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Yes Michael. Writers of not so long ago are our direct teachers. I was compelled to share it as it is.
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It is always interesting to hear from colorful people, and Nrayan’s idea to introduce us to some has to be applauded. I now have to read the book!
Thank you!
Joanna
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Thank you dearest Joanna.
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You are welcome.
Joanna
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Yes we are supposed to move around and meet people not see everything virtually.
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Seriously Ganga, and once we taste sitting and seeing, our mind starts taking over by telling us what’s the use. It felt just the post as I have been travelling and finding it hard to share on the Go.
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Kurt Vonnegut, a renowned American writer, was known for his satirical and critical views on modern society, including the role of technology and the impact it has on human interactions. Vonnegut expressed concerns about the effects of the Internet on social interactions, arguing that it has led to limited and shallow connections between people.
One of the ways in which the Internet has limited social interactions is by reducing face-to-face communication. Online communication, such as instant messaging, email, and social media, has become the preferred method of communication for many people. While these forms of communication can be convenient, they lack the depth and richness of face-to-face interactions. Online communication often consists of brief messages that focus on specific topics, rather than the broader, more nuanced conversations that can occur in person.
Another way in which the Internet has limited social interactions is by creating echo chambers. People tend to seek out information and opinions that confirm their own beliefs and avoid information that challenges them. Social media algorithms and personalized news feeds only exacerbate this tendency by showing people content that aligns with their pre-existing views. This can lead to a narrow and polarized understanding of the world, limiting the opportunities for genuine dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
Furthermore, the Internet has also led to a decline in physical social spaces, such as public parks, community centers, and other places where people can gather and interact in person. Many people spend more time online than they do in physical spaces, reducing the opportunities for spontaneous interactions and creating a more isolated and disconnected society.
While the Internet has brought many benefits, including the ability to connect with people from all over the world, it has also had a negative impact on social interactions. As Kurt Vonnegut noted, the Internet has contributed to a society that is increasingly isolated and disconnected, with limited opportunities for meaningful face-to-face communication and the exchange of diverse ideas.
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Absolutely Thomas, I think you for sharing and adding this short essay to the post. I hope some really come out and see more than only seeing inside a box.
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Vonnegut “hits the nail on the head” and I love the idea that we are dancing animals! 🕺💃🕺💃
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Absolutely Ashley, thank you.
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gr8ings to you from GErMany
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Greetings accepting, thank you.
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Have loved Vonnegut for decades….
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Yes Cindy, he is such a creator!
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I do love Kurt Vonnegut. He’s a very wise man.
Alison
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Have a wonderful journey, Narayan! ❤
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