Although this book is almost 20 years old, it still has a lot of importance to our current society as the key issues are still very much in play, perhaps even more so. I would like to see an update to this book, and also perhaps include looking at how the Internet is shaping society (though that should probably be a book by itself).

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We all know why it's a waste of time to follow pop culture at the expense of serious goings on in the world. But Postman shows us how the very tools of pop culture -- from the telegraph and camera to the computer -- overwhelm us with a deluge of information without helping us put it into context. We have to be aware of the dark side of these tools of progress, in order to use them wisely. Excellent book that made me see ordinary things in a new way.

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Although he addresses other aspects of technology, from the printing press to computers, the author focuses on TV as the main villain. And I couldn't agree more. TV is chewing gum for the mind. I had a bumper sticker on the bulletin board in my office stating "Kill Your Television." When people ask how I can read so many books, I simply tell them I haven't had TV for 40 years, so I've had plenty of time to read. If I'm in a waiting room with a TV and it is on, I find it so annoying I leave, even if it means standing outside in the heat or cold. This reminds me of one of my favorite Groucho Marx quotes. "TV can be very educational. Every time someone turns on a set, I go in the next room and read a book."

The book starts off slow with a philosophical discussion, but quickly begins addressing the problems TV cause. I especially enjoyed his chapters on TV evangelists and political campaign ads. The book is only about 160 pages long, so it is a quick read.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book.

"Sesame Street does not encourage children to love school. It encourages them to love TV."

"Television does not ban books, it simply displaces them."

"You shall wait a very long time indeed if you wish to hear an electronic preacher refer to the difficulties a rich man will have in gaining access to Heaven."

"To the telegraph, intelligence meant knowing of LOTS of things, not knowing ABOUT them." To bring that-up-to-date, simply substitute TV for telegraph.

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Prophetic and still applicable to modern forms of media. Worth the read in 2022.

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